Just Fontaine’s 13-goal World Cup record still stands after 68 years
8 reported
A BBC Sport article reports that Just Fontaine's record of 13 goals at a single men's World Cup, set in 1958, remains unmatched. The article notes that Fontaine was not supposed to start for France and borrowed boots from a teammate for the opening game after damaging his own. He scored in every match, including a hat-trick against Paraguay and four goals in the third-place play-off against West Germany. Fontaine did not receive a Golden Boot trophy, as the award was not introduced until 1982; instead, he was given an air rifle by a Swedish newspaper. He died on 1 March 2023 at age 89. The article mentions that at the 2026 World Cup, players like Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Harry Kane are approaching his record, with an extra round of matches for the 48-team tournament potentially helping them.
What’s reported
Just Fontaine scored 13 goals at the 1958 World Cup in Sweden, a record that still stands.
He was not first choice for France; a teammate's injury led to his start.
Fontaine borrowed boots from teammate Stephane Bruey for the opening game after damaging his own.
He scored in every match, including a hat-trick against Paraguay and four goals in the third-place play-off.
Fontaine did not receive a Golden Boot; the award began in 1982. He was given an air rifle by a Swedish newspaper.
He died on 1 March 2023 at age 89.
At the 2026 World Cup, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe have eight goals, Erling Haaland has seven, and Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have six.
The 2026 tournament has an extra round of matches for the 48-team format.
Key figures
Just Fontaine: French striker, 1958 World Cup top scorer with 13 goals.
Philip Barker: Sports journalist and historian quoted by BBC Sport.
Rene Bliard: Teammate whose injury led to Fontaine starting.
Stephane Bruey: Teammate who lent Fontaine boots.
Albert Batteux: France manager in 1958.
Raymond Kopa: French teammate, 1958 Ballon d'Or winner.
Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane, Erling Haaland, Jude Bellingham: Players at the 2026 World Cup.
Sources: BBC News
