Mbappe Shatters Age Records, Joins Pele in Elite Club with Historic Achievement

Kylian Mbappé keeps adding remarkable milestones to his resume with ease, now establishing himself as the youngest footballer of this century to achieve 400 career goals.

The 26-year-old striker netted twice in France's commanding 4–0 triumph over Ukraine, helping Les Bleus qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, Mbappé's second strike represented far more than just a highlight of his display—it represented his 400th career goal across all competitions.

No footballer in the 21st century has accomplished this feat at a younger age than the Real Madrid sensation. Indeed, throughout football history, only Pelé managed to score 400 goals before reaching 26 years of age. The Brazilian icon, widely regarded by many as football's greatest ever player, achieved this remarkable feat at just 23.

Parallels between Pelé and Mbappé have been drawn repeatedly since the French star became just the second teenager to find the net in a FIFA World Cup final back in 2018, matching what the Brazilian accomplished in the 1958 showpiece.

Mbappé's journey to his 400th career goal was boosted by an exceptional beginning to the 2025–26 campaign, during which he has netted 23 times across 20 matches for both club and national team.

Complete Analysis of Mbappe's 400 Career Goals

Mbappe Minimizes Significance of Reaching 400 Career Goals

After his display against Ukraine, Mbappé expressed his views on achieving the 400-goal career landmark, demonstrating remarkable ambition for greater success.

"400 career goals? 400 goals doesn't wow anyone," the French forward stated. "I aim to establish my legacy in football history, which means I must score another 400 goals.

"There's someone with over 950 goals and another with more than 900. Therefore, 400 goals isn't sufficient to join the elite group of players who truly amaze people."

Mbappe is obviously referencing what Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have accomplished during their legendary careers, emphasizing that he still has considerable ground to cover to match their achievements.

However, Mbappé is progressing at a faster rate than what these two legends had managed at the same point in their careers.

Put simply, Mbappé's current path suggests he has the potential to be ranked among football's greatest players—if he isn't considered one already.

Prominent Players to Achieve 400 Career Goals This Century