Mbappé vows flute-playing goal celebration in France’s World Cup opener against Senegal

The carpool promise

Kylian Mbappé has promised a new goal celebration for France’s opening World Cup match. During an appearance on James Corden’s ‘Carpool Karaoke’ filmed in Madrid, the Real Madrid forward said that if he scores against Senegal he will add a flute-playing mime to his signature crossed-arm pose. The segment was broadcast on Fox Sports on Saturday morning.

“I will do it for you in the first match.”

The entertainer handed Mbappé a flute and asked him to play. After several false starts, the Frenchman managed a few notes, then laughed and admitted he was rusty.

“I’ve lost everything.”

Corden suggested the gesture could become a new celebration. Mbappé agreed and demonstrated the move – arms crossed, then lifting an imaginary flute to his lips.

A childhood instrument

Mbappé attended a conservatory from age 6 to 11, where he took flute lessons for one or two years. He told Corden his parents wanted him to try many things and keep an open mind. The player joked that after years without practice the result was far from concert standard, but that the lessons had been fun.

“My parents wanted me to try everything. You never know.”

Record in sight

The 26-year-old goes into the match with 56 international goals, one behind Olivier Giroud’s all-time French men’s record of 57. A goal against Senegal would at least tie the mark, giving Mbappé an extra reason to celebrate. He is expected to start as captain, barring any late fitness problem.

The opening game

France face Senegal on Tuesday 16 June at 21:00 CEST (21:00 in Paris and Rome, 20:00 in London). It is the first fixture for the 2018 champions at the 2026 World Cup. The match will be the first test of Mbappé’s promised new celebration.