Mbappe Keeps His Promise With Flute Celebration After Opening Goal

Kylian Mbappe gave France a 1-0 lead over Senegal on Tuesday night in its opening match of the tournament, then celebrated in an unusual way by miming flute playing after scoring. The goal came from a fine assist by Michael Olise, and the celebration immediately drew attention.

The gesture was not spontaneous. In a pre-World Cup interview with James Corden on FOX, Mbappe was asked about playing the flute as a child. He said, “I really tried to play the flute. My parents wanted me to do many things and open my mind to many things, because we never know what will happen.” He added that he did it for a year or two, that it was fun, and that he had lost all his ability.

Mbappe then made a clear promise in that interview: “If I score a goal in the first game, I will run to the stands and celebrate with a flute-playing celebration.” He delivered on that vow after his goal against Senegal.

The article presents the celebration as a direct reference to that interview and notes that Mbappe fulfilled the promise in style.