Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé and Michael Olise have now surpassed the 19 goal involvements attributed to Brazil legends Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho during their triumphant 2002 campaign.
The comparison underlines the scale of France’s attacking dominance in North America. Mbappé has led the charge with eight goals and three assists, while Dembélé has contributed five goals and two assists. Olise is yet to score but his five assists have made him the creative heartbeat of Didier Deschamps’ side.
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Together, the trio have amassed 23 involvements and played a decisive role in carrying Les Bleus into a third consecutive World Cup semi-final.
Mbappé and Dembélé added to their tallies in Thursday’s 2-0 quarter-final victory over Morocco. The France captain recovered from a missed penalty to curl home the opening goal before Dembélé struck six minutes later.
Mbappé is now level with Lionel Messi at the top of the Golden Boot standings with eight goals. He has also reached 20 career World Cup goals, leaving him one behind the Argentine’s overall tally.
The numbers place the modern French trio ahead of Brazil’s fabled “Three Rs”, whose brilliance powered Luiz Felipe Scolari’s team to glory in South Korea and Japan.
Ronaldo scored eight times to win the Golden Boot, Rivaldo added five goals and Ronaldinho struck twice while providing much of the invention behind them.
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However, the comparison comes with an important caveat. Brazil’s trio completed their campaign by lifting the trophy after winning all seven matches. France’s stars have raised the statistical bar, but their tournament remains unfinished.
If Les Bleus go on to lift the trophy, Mbappé, Dembélé and Olise may earn their place alongside Brazil’s Three Rs among the greatest attacking trios in World Cup history.
Mbappe, Dembele, Olise vs Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho 🇫🇷⚔️🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/D9T20iT0bL
— Score 90 (@Score90_) July 10, 2026
Photo: REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier
