Kylian Mbappe has become one of the biggest talking points of the 2026 World Cup, not only for his sharp finishing in front of goal but also for unveiling a brand-new celebration that has captured global attention. The France skipper, who was once famous for his folded-arms pose, has now replaced it with an imaginary flute-playing gesture after scoring in North America.

The James Corden connection

The origin of this musical celebration can be traced back to Mbappe’s appearance on James Corden’s ‘After Hours’ programme before the tournament. During a light-hearted segment similar to the host’s popular Carpool Karaoke, the Real Madrid star shared that his parents had encouraged him as a child to try different activities, including learning musical instruments, to help him develop a broad range of interests.

Recalling his childhood on the show, Mbappe said, “I tried to play as a kid. My parents wanted me to do many things and explore many things, to open my mind to do all the things. Because we never know what's going to happen.”

Seizing the opportunity for some fun, Corden handed Mbappe a flute and dared him to celebrate his first goal of the tournament by pretending to play it. He told him: “Score your first goal. Bang, top corner. You run, here [normal celebration], straight to here [miming playing the flute].”

Corden’s phone ‘exploded’

Mbappe kept his promise during France’s Group I opener against Senegal, where he struck twice in a 3-1 victory. After his first goal, he abandoned his usual stance and mimed playing the flute – a moment that instantly went viral and sent Corden’s phone buzzing with messages from around the world.

The British comedian later admitted he was shocked to see the football superstar actually carry through with their playful agreement. Speaking on talkSPORT Breakfast, Corden said, “It was nuts man, because I was watching the game with my dad. I was in the kitchen and my dad just went: 'He did the flute! He did the flute!', and I ran in. And then my phone just exploded in a way that it hasn't exploded since the Gavin and Stacey finale - in terms of people getting in touch with me. It was nuts man and I can't believe he did it.”

A personal message from the captain

Mbappe’s dedication to the joke didn’t end on the field. Right after the final whistle, he sent a personal message to Corden confirming he had fulfilled his promise. The gesture showcased the upbeat and confident atmosphere within the French camp as they aim to reclaim the world crown they lost to Argentina in 2022.

Corden shared, “I got sent a video after the game off a mutual friend, and he [Mbappe] just lent into the camera and he went: 'I told you. I told you I do it!', and then walked away. It was nuts that he did that, it was nuts that he remembered, because we shot that before I came in to see you last time on the show, so that's a while ago. And he says in the video in the clip: ‘First goal against Senegal, I'll do it’. I was shocked, I couldn't believe it. And what a guy - I mean, amazing.”

Chasing World Cup history

Although the celebration has brought some humour and charm to the tournament, Mbappe’s main focus remains on footballing glory. After his brace against Senegal, he found the net twice again in a 3-0 win over Iraq, a game affected by adverse weather conditions.

With four goals already in this World Cup, the French star has now equalled Miroslav Klose’s record of 16 career World Cup goals, placing him just behind Lionel Messi in the pursuit of becoming the tournament’s all-time leading goal scorer.