Mbappe Celebrates With Mock Flute Gesture After Keeping His World Cup Promise

Kylian Mbappe scored to give France a 1-0 lead over Senegal in their tournament opener on Tuesday night, then celebrated in an unusual way. After finishing a goal set up by a fine assist from Michael Olise, the French star made a flute-playing gesture instead of his usual celebration.

The moment was not spontaneous. In a pre-World Cup interview with James Corden on FOX, Mbappe was asked about his childhood attempts to learn the flute. He said his parents wanted him to try many things and broaden his horizons, because, as he put it, "we never know what will happen." Mbappe added that he played for a year or two, enjoyed it, but eventually lost all his ability.

He then made a promise on air: "If I score a goal in the first match, I will run to the stands and celebrate with a flute-playing celebration." When he scored against Senegal, he kept that promise exactly, turning the gesture into the latest chapter in his World Cup campaign.