Alexander Isak's signature celebration was mimicked by Kylian Mbappe at the World Cup, as he bailed France out from the penalty spot during a frustrating game against Paraguay
00:08, 05 Jul 2026Updated 00:12, 05 Jul 2026
Kylian Mbappe mimicked Alexander Isak's celebration when putting France ahead
Kylian Mbappe mimicked Alexander Isak's celebration when putting France ahead(Image: FOX Sports)
France star Kylian Mbappe scored a penalty to put his nation 1-0 up against Paraguay in Saturday's Round of 16 clash at the FIFA World Cup, and proceeded to celebrate by using Alexander Isak's signature move.
Paraguay was defending for their lives against France, but Diego Gomez clipped Desire Doue and gave away a penalty following a VAR review. Earlier in the game, Liverpool target Bradley Barcola had gone close, but Paraguay didn't face too many emphatic efforts.
Mbappe has starred at the World Cup and scored a brace in the last round, eliminating Sweden and sending Isak on his summer vacation. He then stepped up to put France ahead and increase his World Cup goal tally to seven, before celebrating like Isak.
France entered the game as overwhelming favorites, but just like Argentina found out against Cape Verde, every nation is here for a reason. Argentina was held to a 2-2 draw in 90 minutes against Cape Verde, before edging the contest in extra time.
As the clock ticked toward 70 minutes on Saturday, it appeared as though France could become the latest giant to be held, until a penalty was awarded. Mbappe's goal from the spot was inevitable, and it moved him level with Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race.
Mbappe and Messi have been battling hard to be the top scorer, and the Argentine scored in the win over Cape Verde to edge ahead. Mbappe responded against Paraguay, leaving three games to determine the top scorer.
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The Golden Boot race isn't exclusive to Mbappe and Messi, as Harry Kane and Erling Haaland also have five goals at the tournament. Both players are in action on Sunday.
Kane will look to lead England to victory over Mexico, while Haaland and Norway face Brazil. The stars have all shone at the World Cup this summer, but Mbappe has been exceptional for France, a team littered with stars.
Mbappe scored a brace in the first two group games against Senegal and Iraq, and while he didn't score in a 4-1 win over Norway, Ousmane Dembele did net a first-half hat-trick. Mbappe then scored another brace in a 3-0 win over Sweden in the Round of 32.
Kylian Mbappe ran the show against Alexander Isak and Sweden in the previous round
Kylian Mbappe ran the show against Alexander Isak and Sweden in the previous round(Image: Ayman Aref/NurPhoto)
Isak started that game, but both he and fellow striker Victor Gyokeres had few chances in a game that France dominated. Speaking after the game, both commented on the French superstar.
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"He's amazing. He's been one of the best in this tournament and in the world as well. So, we knew it was going to be a difficult task with him, and he showed his quality once again," Isak said.
Gyokores, who plays domestically for Arsenal, added, "He’s an amazing player, of course. I don’t need to say something to him.
"I think he knows it and he’s done this for a lot of years now. He shows it here again, and he’s an incredible player, of course."