At 26, Kylian Mbappé is much more than just a football star. Known for his lightning speed and extraordinary talent, the native of Bondy hides surprising facets that go far beyond his sporting exploits. Here are five things you may not know about this Real Madrid icon.
Kylian Mbappé is a name that thrills the crowds. After a slightly shaky start to the season, when he seemed to be finding his feet at Real Madrid, the French prodigy has returned to his best. His recent performances, notably against Barcelona in Saudi Arabia and yesterday against Celta Vigo, have silenced the critics and given renewed hope to fans of the Madrid club.
This comeback is no accident. Kylian Mbappé, renowned for his hard work, has been able to adapt and establish himself as the leader of the attack. At just 26, the captain of the French national team already boasts an impressive list of honours: world champion with Les Bleus in 2018, multiple Ligue 1 winner with AS Monaco and PSG, and today he is already the centrepiece of Real Madrid’s ambitious project
But behind the player lies a man of many dimensions, many of them little-known. Kylian Mbappé is not just about dribbling and scoring goals. His career path, his passions and his commitments reveal a rich and complex personality. Here we take a look at five fascinating aspects of his life.
Kylian Mbappé and childhood, between sport and education
Behind Kylian Mbappé’s fame lies a rigorous upbringing, provided by his parents, Fayza Lamari and Wilfried Mbappé. His mother, a former professional handball player, and his father, a football coach, instilled in him the values of discipline and perseverance. From an early age, Kylian was immersed in sport, but his parents always insisted on the importance of his studies. A serious student, he had a passion for geography, fascinated by maps and the countries he dreamed of discovering. His teachers remember him as an inquisitive boy who was able to combine study and training with impressive maturity.
Growing up in Bondy, his home town, also played a key role. Surrounded by like-minded youngsters and dedicated coaches, Mbappé was able to hone his talent. Today, he never fails to thank his parents, even though they are no longer together, for their unconditional support, which he sees as the key to his success.
Mbappé’s secret passion for comics
Despite his status as a world star, Kylian Mbappé remains attached to his childhood passions. Among them, comic books occupy a special place. An unconditional fan of Spider-Man, he admires the strength and sense of responsibility of Peter Parker, whom he often cites as a source of inspiration. In 2021, he even collaborated on the creation of a comic strip entitled ‘Je m’appelle Kylian’ (My name is Kylian), which retraces his journey from Bondy to the world’s greatest stadiums. Through this project, he conveys a strong message: believe in your dreams, persevere and never give up.
But his love of comics doesn’t stop there. Mbappé supports initiatives to encourage young people to read, convinced that books are a gateway to new horizons.
Kylian, a philanthropist in the shadows
While footballers’ salaries often make the headlines, few know that Kylian Mbappé uses part of his fortune to help others. In 2018, after the French team won the World Cup, he donated all his bonuses to charity. It was a generous gesture that left a lasting impression, but one that he sees as a matter of course.
The Real Madrid No9 is also behind the Inspired by KM charity, which supports disadvantaged children by funding educational, sporting and cultural projects. For many young people, his story is a source of inspiration and motivation. Mbappé often acts discreetly, without seeking the spotlight, and proves that his values are as solid as his talent.
Unwavering food discipline
To stay at the top, Kylian Mbappé follows a strict diet, designed with the help of nutritionists. His diet is rich in vegetables, lean proteins (such as fish and chicken) and complex carbohydrates (brown rice, sweet potatoes). He has even given up sweets and fast food to optimise his performance. However, the Bondy native still has a weakness for traditional dishes that remind him of his African family roots.
As well as his diet, he ensures he is optimally hydrated and takes supplements adapted to his intense training schedule. This rigour, combined with his hard work, enables him to maintain his exceptional level.
Fashion and culture icon
Off the pitch, Kylian Mbappé has established himself as an influential figure in the world of fashion. Working with giants such as Nike and Dior, he combines elegance and modernity in his clothing choices. His looks are often praised by specialist magazines, which see him as an ambassador for the style of his generation.
But his love of culture is not limited to fashion. Mbappé is a big fan of music. What you may not know is that the football prodigy could very well have embarked on a completely different career: that of musician! Indeed, between the ages of 6 and 13, young Kylian practised the transverse flute at the Bondy Conservatoire in Seine-Saint-Denis. It was a passion he eventually put aside to devote himself entirely to football. Françoise Ducos, his former flute teacher, revealed this surprising anecdote to the website La 93ème minute.
‘He took part in auditions and choir concerts. He liked singing too, he liked being in a group. He was a little boy who liked a challenge,’ she recalls. Far from the image of the star footballer we know today, Kylian Mbappé was a ‘normal pupil, neither overly gifted nor bad’. Françoise Ducos adds: ‘I think he learnt music sincerely and with pleasure. I think he has good memories of it. (…) He was a very happy boy. He really enjoyed being in the choir with one of my colleagues. With me, we put on little shows for children. He was always happy to be there’.
So why did Kylian Mbappé have to give up the flute? The answer is simple: his schedule was becoming too full. ‘He was in a sport-study programme, where he was a boarder. So he no longer had the opportunity to go out in the evenings to follow my lessons’, explains Françoise Ducos. That’s how young Kylian chose to devote himself fully to football, a choice that has enabled him to become one of the most talented and influential players of his generation.
Kylian Mbappé may have left music behind, but he is no less of an artist on the pitch. His dribbling, acceleration and spectacular goals make him a true star, capable of captivating millions of fans around the world. Today, Kylian is the embodiment of sporting excellence. One thing is certain: whether it’s music or football, the French prodigy has always risen to the challenge with passion and determination.
Kylian Mbappé is much more than a footballer. He’s a multi-faceted man who combines talent, discipline and generosity. Through his passions, his commitments and his career, he continues to inspire people far beyond the stadiums.
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