Infantino congratulates Mbappe after record-breaking World Cup despite FIFA criticism

Gianni Infantino has congratulated France captain Kylian Mbappe more than two weeks after the 2026 World Cup ended, despite the FIFA president facing growing criticism over proposals to sell part of the organisation’s shares to private-sector investors.

Mbappe’s France finished fourth at the tournament, but the Real Madrid forward secured the Golden Boot after scoring 10 goals. He became the first player to win the award at successive World Cups and also moved to the top of the competition’s all-time scoring list, with 22 goals.

The World Cup concluded on 19 July, when Spain beat Argentina 1-0 in the final to claim the title. Infantino nevertheless used his official Instagram account on Tuesday to publish a message praising Mbappe’s achievements in North America.

“The amazing French star Kylian Mbappe achieved a remarkable feat at the World Cup, winning the Golden Boot for the second consecutive time after scoring 10 goals during the tournament held in North America,” Infantino wrote.

He added: “He also set several records, most notably topping the all-time scoring charts for both the tournament and the French national team.”

Mbappe’s record-breaking campaign came despite France falling short of a place in the final. Their fourth-place finish meant they ended the competition without a medal, but the 10 goals scored by their captain ensured he remained one of the central figures of the tournament.

His latest Golden Boot success followed the award he won at the previous World Cup. Mbappe also strengthened his position as the leading scorer in World Cup history, surpassing the previous benchmark to reach 22 goals.

Infantino’s public tribute comes at a time when the FIFA president is under intense criticism from several parties. The opposition centres on his idea of selling some FIFA shares to private investors, a proposal that has generated significant debate in recent days.

The message to Mbappe did not refer to those criticisms and focused instead on the forward’s individual achievements. Infantino highlighted both the number of goals scored at the tournament and Mbappe’s wider records for France.

Spain’s victory over Argentina brought the 2026 World Cup to a close, with the final decided by a single goal. France’s fourth-place finish followed a campaign in which Mbappe’s personal contribution stood out, particularly after he claimed the Golden Boot for a second tournament in succession.

Infantino’s congratulations therefore arrived after the main celebrations surrounding the World Cup had ended, drawing attention to Mbappe’s landmark performance and his place in the history of the competition.