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Last Updated:June 16, 2026, 11:17 IST
Just Fontaine played only one World Cup, but his 13-goal explosion in Sweden 1958 remains unmatched nearly 70 years later — a record football’s greatest stars couldn't break.

One tournament. One record. Just Fontaine played in only one FIFA World Cup, but his name remains etched in football history. (AFP)

Sweden 1958 was his stage. The French striker scored an astonishing 13 goals in just six matches. (AFP)

A record that still stands. No player has ever matched Fontaine's 13-goal haul in a single World Cup edition. (AFP)

Dream start against Paraguay. Fontaine opened his tournament with a hat-trick in France's 7-3 victory. (AFP)

Goals kept flowing. He added a brace against Yugoslavia and the winner against Scotland in the group stage. (AFP)

Knockout specialist. Fontaine struck twice against Northern Ireland and scored again versus eventual champions Brazil. (AFP)

Saving the best for last. He netted four goals against West Germany in the third-place playoff. (AFP)

Scoring every 42 minutes. Fontaine averaged a goal roughly every 42 minutes during the tournament. (AFP)

Legends couldn't catch him. Greats like Miroslav Klose, Ronaldo Nazário, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé never reached 13 goals in a single World Cup. (AFP)

Football's ultimate one-hit wonder. Fontaine's entire World Cup career lasted one tournament, yet his record has survived for nearly seven decades. (AFP)
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