Just Fontaine remains World Cup's top scorer with 13 goals
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 13, 2026, 6:57 AM
Last updated Jul 13, 2026
Just Fontaine's record of 13 goals in the 1958 World Cup has stood the test of time, remarkable for being achieved in just six matches and without personal boots. Despite modern contenders like Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi approaching his numbers at the 2026 World Cup, Fontaine's accomplishment from decades ago remains unmatched in terms of goal-to-game ratio. In the ongoing tournament, Mbappe leads with eight goals while Messi and Erling Haaland follow closely with seven. Fontaine, who never played another World Cup due to injury, is often referenced as the benchmark for today’s goal scorers.
- •Just Fontaine scored 13 goals in the 1958 World Cup.
- •He borrowed boots for his first game due to a last-minute roster change.
- •Kylian Mbappe has eight goals in the 2026 World Cup, leading the current race.
- •Fontaine has not played in another World Cup due to injury.
- •The 2026 tournament features an extra round with 48 teams.
- 6:57 AMYahoo Sports — Borrowed shoes, no Golden Boot - the story of the World Cup's greatest scorer
- 6:57 AMBBC Sport — Borrowed shoes, no Golden Boot - the story of the World Cup's greatest scorer
"Just Fontaine's record of 13 goals in a single World Cup has stood for decades, but he never played in the tournament again after injury ended his career at the age of 28.
"Just Fontaine's record of 13 goals in a single World Cup has stood for decades, but he never played in the tournament again after injury ended his career at the age of 28.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 13, 2026, 6:57 AMBorrowed shoes, no Golden Boot - the story of the World Cup's greatest scorer
Just Fontaine's record of 13 goals in a single World Cup has stood for decades, but he never played in the tournament again after injury ended his career at the age of 28.
- BBC SportJul 13, 2026, 6:57 AMBorrowed shoes, no Golden Boot - the story of the World Cup's greatest scorer
Just Fontaine's record of 13 goals in a single World Cup has stood for decades, but he never played in the tournament again after injury ended his career at the age of 28.
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