Kylian Mbappe has broken one of the most enduring records in World Cup history, becoming the all-time leading scorer in the knockout stages of the tournament with his brace against Sweden. Here is how he stands alone at the top.
Kylian Mbappe – 10 goals (9 games)
Mbappe reached 10 knockout goals in just nine appearances, the most efficient knockout scoring rate in the competition’s history. He surpassed the previous joint record of eight shared by Leonidas and Ronaldo, having already equalled it earlier in this tournament. At 27, with France still in the competition, the record will only grow.
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Leonidas – 8 goals (5 games)
The Brazilian legend set his mark at the 1938 World Cup, scoring eight times in just five knockout appearances, a remarkable return that stood as a benchmark for nearly nine decades before being matched.
Kylian Mbappé has broken the record for most knockout-stage goals scored at the World Cup. pic.twitter.com/cHET4Isk3A
— Opta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) June 30, 2026
Ronaldo – 8 goals (10 games)
Brazil’s 2002 World Cup winner scored eight knockout goals across four tournaments and 10 knockout appearances, the same tally as Leonidas but across a far longer career, making Mbappe’s efficiency all the more remarkable by comparison.
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Oldrich Nejedly, Pele, Just Fontaine and Vava – 7 goals each
Four players share fourth place on seven knockout goals each. Fontaine achieved his across just three knockout appearances at the 1958 World Cup, Pele across six, while Czech great Nejedly and Brazilian forward Vava complete an illustrious group that Mbappe has now surpassed entirely.
Photo: Jean Catuffe/Getty Images
