15 Times Kylian Mbappé Left Defenders in the Dust

Kylian Mbappé has a rare mix of speed and control that leaves defenders helpless. Whether in a packed stadium or on the world stage, he makes world-class players look ordinary with just a few strides. Each time he bursts past defenders, it becomes a moment fans never forget.

Tricia Quitales
June 12, 2025
4 min read

15 Times Kylian Mbappé Left Defenders in the Dust — © Yukihito Taguchi-Imagn Images

Get ready to relive jaw-dropping moments of Kylian Mbappé. Whether it was a solo run from midfield or a burst past multiple defenders, Mbappé’s brilliance is on full display. Perfect for football fans, aspiring players, or anyone who appreciates raw athletic talent. Dive in and see why defenders fear one-on-one situations with the superstar.

1. Solo Run vs. Argentina

Mbappé sprinted from his own half, blowing past multiple defenders to earn a penalty. Argentina’s backline couldn’t keep up with his blazing speed. It was the moment he truly announced himself to the world.

2. Quick Touch and—Goal!

He took a quick touch and flew past two defenders before firing the ball into the net. Argentina’s defense had no answer to his explosive break. His balance and finish made it even more impressive.

3. Breakaway Goal vs. England

Mbappé caught a long ball in stride, burned the fullback, and calmly slotted it home. The run was so fast that the camera almost missed him. He made it look effortless against England’s best.

4. Speed Burst vs. Australia

He broke through the defense with a lightning-quick run that ended in a powerful finish. Even experienced defenders like Gerard Piqué were left behind. The goal silenced the crowd.

5. 100-Meter Dash Goal vs. Belgium

After intercepting a pass near his own box, Mbappé raced the length of the field to score. No one could catch him even with a head start. It felt like watching a sprinter in football boots.

6. Winning Goal vs. Croatia

With defenders closing in, he turned on the jets and slipped between two players to fire home. His burst of acceleration left defenders stuck in place. It was a perfect example of timing and speed.

7. Quick Break vs. Belgium

Mbappé beat three defenders in open space with just two touches. He turned defense into attack faster than anyone else on the pitch. The goal was finished before Belgium could react.

8. Run vs. Croatia

In the biggest match of his career, he picked up speed and blew past Croatia’s midfield and defense. He then added a goal to cap off the run. At 19, he looked like a seasoned veteran.

9. Flash Against Belgium

He caught a through ball and burst into the box in two seconds flat. Belgium’s defenders could only chase shadows. Even his miss on that run showed how dangerous he is with space.

10. Stunner vs. Argentina

Mbappé sprinted from the wing, cut inside, and left two defenders sliding the wrong way. His acceleration off the first step was impossible to match. It turned into a brilliant team goal that he started and finished.

11. Speed Show vs. Denmark

Coming off the bench, he instantly broke away on a counter-attack and provided an assist. The defenders didn’t even get a chance to react. He completely changed the tempo of the match.

12. Long Sprint vs. Argentina

With a simple touch past the last man, Mbappé turned a slow buildup into a one-on-one. He outran everyone and finished coolly past the keeper. His ability to switch gears left fans stunned.

13. Goal vs. Argentina

He received a backheel flick and exploded past the center-back in a flash. One second he was marked, the next he was gone. The goal was as beautiful as it was quick.

14. Burst Past Australia

Against one of the strongest defenses in the tournament, he made a charging run that forced panic. Australia’s back line had to double-team him just to slow him down. Even then, he nearly created a goal on his own.

15. Mbappé’s Last-Minute Run

Mbappé came off the bench and made a sprint down the flank that set up France’s winning goal. He outpaced the defense with ease and placed a perfect assist. It was a reminder that even late in the match, his speed doesn’t fade.