Football, the world’s most beautiful game, has seen many late bloomers rise to take the sport by storm, and we are proud to say Max Kilman is one of them. Born to a Ukrainian catwalk model, Maria Kilman, and Alex, Max’s story is one of a late bloomer who excelled nationally in other sports before embracing his destiny in football. The son of a beauty queen mother, he started playing football from the most humble beginnings and rose to become one of the finest left-footed centre-backs in England.
Now, think of this… imagine the surprise of learning that a 24-year-old had only made 25 league starts in his entire professional career before rising to fame in the Premier League. What’s even more astonishing is that he ascended from non-league football directly to the Premier League in a remarkably short time. This tells you that Max Kilman is not just a late bloomer but also one of the most underrated defenders in the world.
This article goes beyond just presenting Max Kilman’s stats; it delves into the biography of a standout player with a quiet personality. A footballer whose coach, Bruno Lage, once encouraged him to eat two breakfasts—for a reason. We’ll explore how Max rose to success in football despite a late switch from futsal. More importantly, we’ll share the story of Max Kilman’s childhood, his early boyhood years, and the impact of his parents, Maria and Alex, on his life. We’ll also cover his British/Ukrainian family origin, siblings, wife, son, lifestyle, personal life, religion, net worth, and more. Now, let’s dive into the heart of Max’s story.
Max Kilman: From Futsal to Premier League Star – A Journey of Determination and Talent
Preamble:
To whet your appetite for Max Kilman’s Biography, we’ve included a photo gallery showcasing his growth trajectory. From his early years as a toddler to a cute boy holding his first trophy, then a futsal star representing England, and finally to his remarkable rise from non-league football to playing in the Premier League, Max’s journey is truly inspiring.
Max Kilman Biography – Behold his Boyhood Early Life and Great Rise.
Signed from Maidenhead United F.C., a team in the fifth tier of English football, Max Kilman made a direct leap to the Premier League and quickly became a crucial part of one of its strongest defences. In a remarkably short time, he earned immense respect from fans and even surprised some of his teammates with his skill. Watching him play, it’s clear that Kilman is a thoughtful player who reads the game impeccably and has a growing confidence in his abilities as a left-footed centre-back.
Despite the high praise for his gameplay, there remains a gap in the knowledge about Max Kilman’s life. Not many football fans have read a concise biography of Max Kilman, which is why we have taken the initiative to prepare it. After all, we love the beautiful game. Without further ado, let’s begin telling you his story.
Max Kilman Childhood Story:
For Biography starters, the name ‘Max’ is not his real name – but a nickname. His full name is Maximilian William Kilman. He was born on the 23rd day of May 1997 to his mother, Maria Kilman, and father, Alex Kilman, in the town of Chelsea, England.
In case you are not aware, the Love affair between his parents (through their job) gave rise to Kilman’s birth. This love story between Maria and Alex Kilman didn’t happen in England. Both Max’s mum and dad met in Moscow, a city in Russia.
Years ago, destiny made Max Kilman’s parents meet in Moscow. It all started when Max Kilman’s mother (Maria) travelled there for a meeting relating to her beauty job. It was love at first sight for Alex, and the birth of Max gave meaning to their beautiful family.
Early Life and Growing-Up Years:
The London-born footballer spent most of his childhood as the baby of the house. Many years later, it appears another child came into the family.
Max Kilman’s parents (Maria and Alex) often enjoy this boy’s company. Very likely, the flying lad is Max’s little brother.
He certainly doesn’t look like Max in his childhood. Now, could he be Max Kilman’s brother or his child?
About Chelsea, where Max spent his childhood years:
More often, people confuse this part of London to be the exact ground where Chelsea FC is located. No! It is actually not. Chelsea is only a neighbouring area to Roman Abramovich‘s Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea, where Maria and Alex had Max, is an affluent area in west London. Back then, Max Kilman’s family lived very close to the famous Stamford Bridge. Now, this is a map of Chelsea, the neighbourhood that gave Kilman the best memories of his childhood.
Chelsea (in London) is where Max Kilman’s parents raised him. Please Note: This is a town neighbouring the Chelsea Football Club.
Max Kilman Family Background:
The English professional footballer spent his early life in a comfortable middle-class household. A home owned by his parents, who were once in the same line of trade. Both of Max Kilman’s parents (Alex and Maria) were once in the modelling and beauty industry.
Maria Kilman, who is the mother of Max, started life as a Ukrainian catwalk model. On the other hand, Max Kilman’s father began his life as an art dealer. He is also the proud owner of a Moscow-based modelling agency.
Did you know?… It was Alex Kilman’s modelling agency that made it possible for him to meet his future wife, Maria. It all started when she travelled there for her beauty job, not knowing she would find love.
Their meeting gave rise to a son (Max), a boy whom they were was very fond of. Alex Kilman never raised a hero but an adorable son. A boy that eventually turned out to be the hero of his family. Both father (Alex) and son (Max) shared a great bond.
Back then, the joy of Max Kilman’s childhood shined in his Dad’s heart. It pains us to say that this great man is no more.
As stated earlier at the beginning of our bio, Max Kilman’s parents met in Russia. They met when their mother, Maria, moved to Moscow for a job at an agency. Unknown to Maria, her future husband, Alex, ran the agency. The rest of their love story is history.
Max Kilman Family Origin:
First, being born in Chelsea (London) implies that the footballer is British national.
However, there is more to Max Kilman’s family origin which you may not know. Both of his parents have their roots in two countries – and not England.
In case you are not aware, Max Kilman has both British, Russian and Ukrainian nationalities. Now, this probably gives you a clue as to the country Alex and Maria come from.
According to the athletic, both of Max Kilman’s parents are from Ukraine. Max’s Dad and Mum hail from different parts of Eastern Europe. In case you don’t know, Ukraine is the homeland of Oleksandr Zinchenko and the great Andriy Shevchenko.
Where in Ukraine are Max Kilman’s parents from?
According to our research, Max Kilman’s father (Alex) is from Odesa in Ukraine. On the other hand, his mother (Maria Kilman) is from Kyiv, the capital of the great country. This map explains where Max Kilman’s parents come from.
A map of Ukraine showing Odesa and Kiev – the origin of Max Kilman’s parents.
Are Max Kilman’s parents Russians?
Yes, they are through their parents (in this case, Max’s Kilman’s Grandparents). Also, further research shows that Max Kilman’s parents are both half-Ukrainian and half-Russian.
The footballer has members of his extended family (including his grandparents) as fully Russians. While growing up, Max focused on learning the language of his Russian ethnicity. We connect his family roots to Russia, so he learned how to speak the Russian language.
Max Kilman Education:
The English Defender has a degree in business and sports at Hertfordshire University. Max Kilman began his undergraduate programme around April 2019 when he got the call from Wolves. Since then, he has combined studying and playing football at the top level.
The impact of Maria Kilman on Max’s Education:
Special thanks to her; Max’s Mum is the reason her son decided he would go to school up to the university level.
Maria made it possible for her son to extend his studies to a degree level. Please note that Max has an online University degree.
When her son was an aspiring footballer, Maria advised Max. She urged him to find some form of insurance, just in case his football dreams didn’t work out. The humble boy listened.
Max graduated successfully from his primary, secondary and University education. He also went on to become a successful footballer. Of course, achieving this feat made Max Kilman’s parents to be the most ecstatic.
Alex and Maria were so happy to see that their son’s football sacrifice had paid off. That he went through the four walls of his education – and even became a university graduate.
Max Kilman Football Story – The Untold Biography:
Truth be told, things weren’t that rosy for him at the beginning. Early on, Max Kilman’s parents wanted him to focus on his studies – just in case football didn’t work out. As a footballer, Max wasn’t that good but average. According to him,
It was tough for me as I didn’t train full time.
At that time, I did not know where I was going with football.
Thanks to his parent’s advice, young Max didn’t compromise his football. He just took it game by game. The boy tried to keep the sport going as much as possible – all thanks to the enjoyment he got from it.
Fulham Story:
Before beginning his futsal journey, he actually started out with Fulham youth. This football school is by far one of the best and the closest academies to his family home – in West London.
As a very optimistic boy, there came for Max, that inner belief that he had the talent to make it. Max believed he could get something from football. Thanks to hard work, the boy saw himself living his Fulham life on a solid footing. Behold, Max’s first trophy.
This is Max Kilman holding a trophy – during his early days with Fulham.
The Pains of being released by Fulham:
Max Kilman was told by Tom Roddy, a football reporter. That he cried when his beloved Fulham released him from their academy.
Research has it that his later days at Fulham weren’t very pleasing to his coaches, hence the academy letting him go.
As I write Max Kilman’s Bio, he has risen from crying – at the time he got released from Fulham – to becoming a Premier League star.
Moving on after academy rejection:
As he approached his teenage years, Max decided to change clubs. This time, he went to Gillingham.
Max Kilman continued his football maturation there – still as an average player. At the time he graduated from the academy, Welling United Football Club made him play for them.
Similar to the way Ademola Lookman and Jamie Vardy began their careers, Max also started at the depth of English football.
Welling United Football Club, which he joined, played in the National League South. This football club played in the sixth tier of English football.
Things weren’t that rosy for Max when he started out. Behold the youngster, not looking happy.
Max Kilman in his early career years. Not looking very happy after a football match.
Max Kilman Biography – The Futsal Story:
Based on our research, he began loving Futsal as a teenager. Max Kilman’s futsal story began from the moment he saw some boys playing the game in a local park. Max watched them with joy on his face.
Feeling very interested, the excited lad walked up to the boys and asked if he could join in – without knowing what Futsal was. Thankfully, Max got a positive response.
They told Kilman that the game they were playing was not football but a special kind of football called Futsal.
The boys, who were a bit older, invited Max for a Futsal session with London Genesis. This happened after they found Max’s gameplay to be very interesting.
This location for the Futsal game (he got invited for) is a bit of a long distance from Max Kilman’s family home. But it was worth the travel all the way from West to East London.
Max Kilman didn’t go alone. His father, Alex, accompanied him. Max said this regarding his experience with Genesis Futsal Club:
I just really enjoyed myself there.
The love for futsal kept me going back every week.
I gradually grew into it – by playing more and more Futsal.
The speed of the futsal game is what Max really loves. In futsal, a player has to attack his opponent. As well as defend the goal. According to Max, Futsal was so intense, and everything happened really quickly.
Impact of Futsal on Max Kilman’s Football Career:
Playing futsal became a way he boosted his football performance. According to Max, it had the most positive effect on him when he was 15 and 16 years old.
Before Futsal, Max Kilman used to be very nervous while playing normal football. Futsal made him feel more aware and make quicker decisions. And most importantly, it helped him see the bigger picture.
There are schools of thought that often say Futsal improves footballers technically. Max benefited from futsal a lot. It helped him improve from the tactical side of things.
It made Max smarter and more aware of everything around him. And it also made him quicker to execute what he thinks.
Did you know?… Max Kilman’s futsal career got him into playing for England. Here, he came at a time the country needed him – and scored this great goal.
More Futsal … Quitting Football?
From Genesis Futsal Club, he went on to join London Helvecia. Thereafter, Max Kilman – to the joy of his family – got linked up with the England Futsal squad – when he was about 18.
The youngster devoted a lot of time to Futsal, especially with his involvement at Helvecia and with England. Max played in the Futsal World Cup qualifiers with England.
Truth be told, it wasn’t easy for him to combine both futsal, normal football and schooling. It was around this point that football wasn’t going so well for him. According to Max;
I thought it would be nice to consider that maybe I might end up as a futsal player. At that time, I had thoughts of moving abroad to play futsal professionally.
After many deliberations, Max decided he won’t abandon football for futsal. Even though he was deeply involved with futsal, the youngster kept his football option open.
Aside from going to school and doing futsal, Kilman continued with football at the English lower leagues. During that time, there was this belief that futsal would improve his gameplay and a bigger football club would find him.
Max Kilman Biography – The Success Stories:
The ability to multitask between his studies and two sports (futsal and football) was out of this world.
The truth is, Max excelled in all areas, and that shows how intelligent he is. He applied his futsal ball control skill in football and that improved his overall performance.
In 2015, Max Kilman signed for Maidenhead United, which is also one of England’s lower-league clubs. The club was impressed with his amazing ball control after a superb performance at a London Senior Cup with Welling.
Still, in the lower leagues of English football, Kilman maintained his composure. There was also this patience and hope that the next breakthrough was just by the corner.
After his first season with Maidenhead, Kilman got loaned to Southern Football League side Marlow.
Upon returning from loan, Max Kilman, in all his multitasking strength, continued his futsal career with Helvecia.
He continued to give his best to both his futsal team and the football. From the futsal side of things, Kilman had this great performance.
The Wanderers Call:
Max Kilman’s dream finally became a reality when Wolves head coach Nuno Espírito Santo heard about his character and multitasking strength. Without wasting time, he requested Max to join his club’s under-23 side.
Back then, the Championship club, which had the likes of Diogo Jota and Ruben Neves, were fighting for a Premier League promotion. During his signing by Wolves, Max Kilman decided to put his futsal career on hold.
With a complete focus on football, he played a pivotal role in helping Wolves achieve promotion from the Championship (second tier of English football) to the Premier League.
In the next season, Wolves coach Nuno awarded Max by placing him into his first-team plans. In Nuno’s words,
Max is 100 per cent integrated into the Wolves (first team) squad.
I see him as an outstanding football player, a centre-half with exceptional quality.
He’s big, aggressive.
Breaking a Record:
Max Kilman began his Premier League life majorly as an unused substitute. His senior debut came on the 4th of May, 2019, against Fulham. Having his premier league debut got Max Kilman a very rare honour.
Did you know?… Max broke a record that only one footballer had broken in the whole of the sport’s history.
Kilman became the first footballer to go directly from a non-league to a Premier League first team. Only Chris Smalling had broken that record – through his move from Maidstone United to Fulham in the year 2008.
The Bruno Lage impact on Max Kilman:
Following the departure of Nuno Espírito Santo, Wolves appointed Bruno Lage, who gave Max more opportunities to compete for first-team places.
People only got to know Max so well – when he began started for Wolves following the injury of Willy Boly.
Max Kilman seized the opportunity and secured his spot as a starter under the Portuguese coach. He formed a formidable partnership with teammates like Nathan Collins, the veteran Conor Coady (CB), Ki Jana Hoever, Rayan Aït-Nouri (LB), Leander Dendoncker, and Nélson Semedo.
The Wolves’ rising star became the club’s standout player and arguably their best player in the first quarter of the 2021-22 season.
This was the season he scored his first Premier League goal. A feat that explains his deserved contract extension – BBC Reports.
When Max Kilman wrote his biography, we tagged him as the most improved young defender alongside Ben White and Rayan Ait-Nouri in England.
Now, what should follow next?… a well-deserved Gareth Southgate‘s England call. The rest of his story, as we say, is now history.
Max Kilman Love Life:
The multi-talented athlete has come a long way in his two amazing sports careers. Now, having made a name for himself, it is only normal for female football fans to ask these questions;
Who is Max Kilman’s Girlfriend?
Does Max Kilman have a Wife?
Truth be told, there is no denying the fact that his baby-faced handsome looks and gameplay would attract ladies who would aspire to be his lover. Ladies who would aspire to be either Max Kilman’s girlfriend, his wife, or simply the mother of his children.
Our inquiry into Max Kilman’s relationship status reveals no concrete results. The Baller has chosen to remain silent about his love life. Even on his social media, Max hasn’t hinted at a romantic relationship with anyone.
We hereby conclude that Maximilian Kilman is not keen on making his relationship public. As of the year 2022, he has fully focused on his career, especially in his quest to get an England national team call.
Max Kilman Personal Life:
You’ve only watched Max play good football. Again, you must have seen videos of him playing futsal. However, there are Max Kilman’s Facts away from football you probably don’t know about.
First thing first, Max is someone who believes in the idea of enjoying every moment of football. The London native really doesn’t care if his team is to play against Man United, Liverpool, City, etc. Max just has the belief of just going to have fun on the pitch.
Ask any staff and player at Wolves to describe Max Kilman. They would use words like…
He is “quiet”, “calm”, “laid back” and “passive”.
The truth is that Maximilian’s coolness under pressure is second to none. He is a reminiscent of the late Dean Richards when he saunters in the midst of opponents.
Also, Max always shows reluctance on camera as he deliberately avoids the media spotlight.
Once upon a time, staff at Wolves teamed up in a bid to bring out the aggression in him. Unfortunately, it wasn’t as easy as they had thought. Because of that, there was this plea that Max should be more vocal on the pitch.
Because his coaches admire his intelligence on the pitch, they pleaded that Max should give more information to his teammates.
It is a slow and steady process of changing his character. And at the moment, Kilman’s performance is what does the talking on the pitch.
Remembering old friends:
On a final note on Max Kilman’s personality, the Wolves star is someone who remembers his old friends. Especially those who were with him at the time he had no fame. He always finds time to speak with them.
Max Kilman connects with an old friend. He taught this friend (a YouTuber) how to shoot the ball. No doubt, futsal really helped Max to be a fantastic ball shooter. His skills of the Wolves star is aesthetically pleasing to watch.
Max Kilman Lifestyle:
Football pays well, and the Defender earns a decent amount of money with Wolves. Even with that, Max hardly gives money too much thought.
Unlike most footballers, there is no such thing like him showcasing luxuries – flashy cars, mansions, girls, booze, etc.
Put simply, we regard Max Kilman as an antidote to expensive living. The intelligent Baller remains focused on his professional dreams and retirement goals.
Max Kilman Family Life:
The support he got from his parents saw him advance his education up to the university level.
Also, they were there to share his pains after Fulham academy released Max. This Biography section tells you facts about Max Kilman’s family. Let’s start with Alex.
About Max Kilman’s Father:
Alex, the Ukrainian Dad of Max Kilman, is late. The defender broke the sad story to his fans precisely on the 17th day of November 2020.
Max was strong enough to train for Wolves shortly after his Dad’s death. Expressing his emotions, the Baller once said;
Max Kilman posted this picture of his late Dad, just after he lost him to the cold hands of death.
Dad, I’m going to miss you every day of my life.
Without you, I wouldn’t be where I have reached today.You are incredible, and I’ll always be proud to be called your son.
I will never stop thinking about all the memories I shared with you. Also, all the amazing things you did for me.
Rest in peace my Papa!
According to online reports, the death of Alex Kilman was tragic. Before his demise, Max Kilman’s Dad meant the whole world for him and his little brother.
The Wolves defender has vowed to make his late father, Alex, proud of what he would become in the future.
Losing a father this young??? we can’t imagine anything worse than that.
About Max Kilman’s Mother:
We often refer to her as one of Ukrainian’s finest catwalk models. This is our view of Maria in the nutshell.
Being born to a beauty queen explains the fact – as to why Max Kilman is a handsome footballer. Maria Kilman is possibly retired from her catwalk modelling career.
Max Kilman’s Mum (Maria), her late husband (Alex) and her son attending one of his games at the Molineux.
Untold Facts:
In the concluding phase of Max Kilman’s Biography, we’ll tell you more truths about him. Now, without further ado, let’s begin.
Max Kilman’s salary as compared to the average UK Citizen:
At the very basic level, Max’s weekly wages come from his club contract. Other sources include his bonuses and sponsorship deals.
Max Kilman Profile:
Given his rise, some football fans think he is likely to replace Tyrone Mings for his England spot. This is because of Max’s on-field performance.
However, FIFA heavily underrates him. The statistics show that the Premier League rising star should be on par with John Stones and Joe Gomez. Let’s not forget Jan Bednarek, the great Polish defensive talent.
Max Kilman surely deserves an upgrade on FIFA.
The man who is a revelation at Wolves should have an overall rating of at least 83 and a potential of 85.
Less not forget, he is also Southgate’s only option on the left flank of the Three Lions defence. A perfect replacement injury-prone Luke Shaw and Ben Chilwell.
About eating two breakfasts in the morning:
The fact that he came all the way from non-league to the Premier League makes people call Max an inexperienced defender.
However, considering he is already good, football pundits believe there is more Max can be in the future.
On a blessed day, a journalist threw these questions at Wolverhampton’s coach, Bruno Lage. The journalist said;
Given how laidback he is, does Max Kilman know how good he is? Or how good he can be?
The Wolves Head Coach looked at the journalist and responded,
“That’s a good question, and honestly, I don’t know,” Lage says.
“What I do know is that he needs to eat two breakfasts in the morning. If he only has one, he’s just not the same guy and doesn’t come with the same energy!”
The Unsuccessful Switch to the Ukraine National Team:
As a childhood Blues fan, Max Kilman found himself almost speechless when he discovered a strange voice speaking with him on the other end of his phone.
This person happened to be his childhood hero, Andriy Shevchenko. In his words,
“I was at home and didn’t know who was calling me.
When he said it’s Andriy Shevchenko … I was just like, ‘wow’.
It’s not normal that Andriy Shevchenko has your number and calls you”
In March 2021, Ukraine’s former coach and football Legend Andriy Shevchenko said he reached out to Max’s representatives. The AC Milan legend wanted Max to honour an invitation to play for Ukraine, the country of his parents.
Shevchenko also announced that he had formally asked FIFA to switch Kilman’s national allegiance to Ukraine.
The football legend also enquired to FIFA if Max’s appearances for the England futsal team would make him eligible to play for Ukraine.
A month later, FIFA reviewed and rejected the application. The football body confirmed that Max Kilman’s appearances for England in competitive futsal matches ties him to playing football for only the Three Lions and nowhere else.
Max Kilman Religion:
Although the football hasn’t displayed signs of his ideology, our odds are in favour of him being an Orthodox Christian. This religious type and class are more prevalent in Ukraine and Russia, where Max Kilman’s parents come from.
Life story EndNote:
The Biography of Max Kilman is a story about a boy with the willpower to multitask and a strong determination to succeed.
The England footballer was born to Maria and Late Alex. Max Kilman’s parents are Ukrainians who also have their family origin from Russia.
Maria Kilman was destined to meet her future husband at the time she travelled to Moscow for a beauty/modelling job.
Unknown to her, Alex, her future husband, was the man who owned the Moscow based modelling agency. They both had Max and built a sweet family.
Max Kilman’s love for football saw him join Fulham academy as a child. He had a solid foundation but later struggled with the sport. Not able to meet up, Max got released by Fulham academy. He cried after that but later got up, and moved on to another academy.
Maria Kilman, his mother, had a great influence on Max Kilman’s education. She made him study – up to the university level.
Also, to have a second option just in case football didn’t work out. Max showed his strength when he multitasked with football, his studies and futsal.
Through futsal, his gameplay improved, and that helped his football career. Max became so good that he got called to represent England’s futsal team. An improvement in futsal led to a subsequent rise in his football playing abilities. That earned him a Wolves call by Nuno.
Appreciation Note:
Thank you for taking the time to read our version of Max Kilman’s Biography. We care about fairness and the accuracy of stories about English football players. Please let us know if you notice anything that doesn’t look right in our memoir of the ex-Futsal star.
On a final note, tell us (in the comment section) about your perception of the Wolves footballer. What do you think about Max Kilman, his biography, and his future career? As you place your comment, please stay tuned for more exciting Football Stories from Us.
