Kylian Mbappe goal celebration, explained: Why France star folds arms after scoring

At the 2026 World Cup alone, fans have watched Kylian Mbappe net eight goals through six matches, which means they know all about the Frenchman's goal celebration. However, the celebration goes further than just Mbappe showing the world how great he is.

The forward and one of his fellow family members developed a celebration that makes the Mbappe household smile wherever they are around the world.

The leap, arms out, and arm fold have become a soccer staple in recent years, and that's here to stay thanks to the 27-year-old goalscoring machine.

Here's why the French star celebrates with his classic leap and arm fold.

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What is Kylian Mbappe's goal celebration?

After Mbappe scores a goal, he usually follows the same multi-step process to celebrate a back-of-the-net effort. First, the forward jumps in the air; following this, he extends his arms outwards, almost as a means of displaying himself. Finally, the Real Madrid and French star folds his arms across his chest.

Here's a quick look at an Mbappe goal that was accented with his traditional celebration:

Fans have seen Mbappe do this, leading up to France's semifinal match against Spain, eight separate times for the amount of goals he's scored at the 2026 World Cup. Fans should also prepare to get used to the celebration, if they haven't already, because Mbappe is still only 27 years old.

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Why does Kylian Mbappe fold his arms after he scores?

Mbappe celebrates in this fashion thanks to his younger brother, Ethan. According to talkSPORT, the French forward has cited two separate occasions on which his brother suggested it.

In his autobiography, Mbappe answered many fans' questions about why he carries out the celebration.

"He [Ethan] scored a goal and celebrated by crossing his arms," Mbappe wrote. "Five minutes later, he stopped and said, 'Kylian, you could do that in a match.' So, I did it."

In another interview with L'Equipe, Mbappe shared that the celebration was suggested to him while he and Ethan were playing PlayStation together.

"In fact, it was not me who came up with it. It was my brother when I played with him on the PlayStation."