Kylian Mbappé is a French footballer who currently plays as a forward for Real Madrid and serves as the captain of the France national football team. Recognised globally as one of the most talented players of his generation, Mbappé’s pace and clinical finishing have made him one of the most feared attackers in modern football.
Born in Paris and raised in Bondy, Mbappé began his senior career with AS Monaco in 2015. His remarkable performances quickly made him one of Europe’s most exciting young prospects. He played a crucial role in helping Monaco secure the Ligue 1 title during the 2016–17 season.
In 2017, Mbappé made a high-profile move to Paris Saint-Germain for a transfer fee of €180 million. At that time, it was the second-highest transfer fee ever recorded and the largest amount ever paid for a teenager. During his tenure at PSG, he collected six Ligue 1 titles and four Coupe de France trophies, and helped the team reach its first UEFA Champions League final in 2020.
When he departed PSG, Mbappé left as the club’s all-time leading goalscorer and one of its top assist providers. He also became one of the highest scorers in Ligue 1 history. In 2024, he completed a long-anticipated move to Real Madrid on a free transfer. That same season, he won the Pichichi Trophy as La Liga’s top scorer and earned his first European Golden Shoe.
On the international stage, Mbappé was first called up to represent France in the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Since 2023, he has been the team’s captain. His consistent excellence for both club and country has made him one of the most successful and admired footballers of his era.
Mbappé’s admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo was famous – and even a bit intense. As a youngster, he was so devoted that his mother jokingly said he was “Portuguese in his head.” His room was covered with Ronaldo posters, and he even dreamed of representing Portugal. A French kid who imagined himself Portuguese – that’s the level of his hero worship.
Before every game, Mbappé follows a touching personal ritual. He never misses three phone calls from his grandmother, Christine, who rings him “morning, noon, and night” on match days. After France’s heartbreaking defeat in the 2022 World Cup final, the very first person he called was his grandmother. Their bond remains exceptionally close.
While everyone knows about his love for Ronaldo, Mbappé’s first football idol was actually the Brazilian star Robinho. During his time at Monaco, he was such a big admirer that he created a funny Facebook profile under the name “Kylian Robinho Gaucho,” honouring both Robinho and the legendary Ronaldinho. A hidden tribute that only real fans could appreciate.
At the age of 14, long before fame and fortune, Mbappé already had a backup plan for his future. He confided in his grandmother that if football didn’t go as planned, he would pursue a career in modelling. Fortunately for football fans, he chose to keep scoring goals rather than posing for cameras.
Despite being known today for his love of modern rap, Mbappé grew up listening to classic French music. At just five years old, he could recite the entire song collection of legendary singer Charles Aznavour by heart. A remarkable cultural foundation before he discovered his own musical preferences in hip-hop. From timeless ballads to contemporary beats, his taste has evolved with time.
A. Kylian Mbappé represents Real Madrid and captains the France national football team.
A. Mbappé began his senior career with AS Monaco in 2015.
A. Paris Saint-Germain signed Mbappé in 2017 for €180 million, making him the most expensive teenager in football history at that time.
A. Mbappé secured six Ligue 1 championships and four Coupe de France titles, and helped PSG reach the UEFA Champions League final in 2020.
A. In his debut season with Real Madrid, Mbappé won the Pichichi Trophy as La Liga’s highest goalscorer and also claimed his first European Golden Shoe.
