Inside Kylian Mbappe’s History: From Bondy Streets to Global Stardom

The French football legend Kylian Mbappe has roots in three African countries: Nigeria and Cameroon through his father, and Algeria through his mother. He is the son of Fayza Mbappe Lamari, of Algerian descent, and Wilfried Mbappe, who has Nigerian and Cameroonian heritage. Mbappe grew up in Bondy, a northeastern suburb of Paris that had experienced violence and rioting. Born six months after France’s 1998 World Cup victory, Kylian was obsessed with soccer from the age of two, often taking his football to bed and using it as a pillow.

Fortunately, his father was a soccer coach, and his mother, Fayza Lamari, had a successful career as a handball player. With his father’s dedication to laying a strong foundation for his career and his mother’s sports background, Kylian’s path to football stardom was well-supported and assured. 

Our Kylian Mbappe Biography tells you Facts about his Childhood Story, Early Life, Parents – Fayza Mbappe Lamari (Mother), Wilfried Mbappe (Father), Family Background, Brothers (Jires Kembo-Ekoko, Ethan Adeyemi Mbappe), etc.

More so, Mbappe’s Girlfriend, Wife to be, Lifestyle, Net Worth and Personal Life. In a nutshell, this is a summarized history of Mbappe, the French footballer of Bondy origin. We begin with his early days right to when Kylian became famous.

To give you a taste of the engaging nature of Kylian Mbappe’s Biography, here is a gallery of his life trajectory.

Certainly, Mbappe is known for his remarkable speed and excellent ball control. Despite his fame, it seems only a few have delved into a concise life story of Mbappe. We have put together one for your enjoyment and for the love of the sport. Without delay, let’s dive in.

Kylian Mbappe Childhood Story:

To kick off his biography, his full name is Kylian Adesanmi Lottin Mbappé.

The footballer was born on December 20, 1998, to his father, Wilfried Mbappe, and mother, Fayza Mbappe Lamari, in the northeastern Paris suburb of Bondy, France.

Kylian was just six months old when France won the FIFA 1998 World Cup held at Stade de France (national stadium of France), which is only 11km from his family home. Kylian Mbappé arrived as the first child of his parents.

Growing Up in Bondy:

Kylian’s upbringing in Bondy wasn’t easy. He spent his formative years in the Paris suburb, a town that had experienced violence and riots.

One of the most significant incidents was the 2005 riot, which was one of the worst for the commune. It resulted in the burning of numerous cars and public buildings.

All of this unfolded right around the area where Mbappe’s parents had their family home. In essence, Bondy is known for its history of riots and social unrest.

The suburb, located just 10km from Paris, is often seen as a hub for crime and terrorism. This was highlighted in The New York Times’ article on Mbappé and the Banlieues Boys.

Although he endured turmoil during his childhood, the path to becoming a future football great was set for Mbappé.

This assurance came from his father, Wilfried Mbappé, who was determined to secure his child’s future despite the unrest.

Growing up in the Bondy neighborhood, young Kylian was inseparable from his soccer ball.

His passion for the game was so intense that he even used his football as a pillow to help him sleep. In an interview, his father, Wilfried, once remarked about his soccer-obsessed child;

“Kylian has been absolutely passionate about football. I think he’s obsessed.

His dedication to the sport is so intense that it even surprises me, and I consider myself a football coach.

He’s always immersed in it, 24/7. Kylian formed the habit of watching just everything soccer. He can watch … many be… five or six matches in a row.”

Background of Kylian Mbappé’s Family:

Mbappe hails from an athletic middle-class family that prioritizes sports in their lifestyle.

In essence, Mbappe’s family is part of the extensive working-class community of Bondy.

Today, the area is known for its proud recognition of its most celebrated football hero. Here’s a poster displayed on the building where Mbappe spent his childhood years.

Beginning with his parents, the patriarch of the family, Wilfried, dedicated many years to coaching soccer. Kylian’s mother, Fayza Lamari, enjoyed a successful career as a handball player.

From the start, Kylian Mbappé’s parents instilled a passion for sports in every member of their family.

Jires Kembo-Ekoko, Wilfried’s adopted child, is a professional soccer player. Similarly, Kylian’s half-siblings have also pursued careers in sports, following in his footsteps.

Kylian Mbappe Family Origin:

While many know he hails from the town of Bondy, situated in the northeastern suburbs of Paris, few fans are aware of Kylian Mbappé’s family roots, which we’ll delve into in this section of his biography.

To begin with, his lineage connects him to three African countries: Cameroon and Nigeria (through his father) and Algeria (through his mother).

Kylian’s father, Wilfried Mbappé, is Cameroonian with Nigerian family roots. Initially a refugee, he migrated to Northern France in search of better opportunities. Kylian’s mother, Fayza Lamari Mbappe, is an Algerian of Kabyle origin.

As reported by French media, Wilfred, in an effort to secure permanent residency, married an Algerian-French woman named Fayza Lamari.

This woman of Kabyle origin later became the mother of the self-proclaimed future Football GOAT.

Kylian Mbappe’s Education: Did He Attend School?

Although the beautiful game of football became his primary passion during childhood, the young Kylian attended the Conservatory music school from ages 6 to 11.

During this time, he learned to read music and play the flute. He attributes his skills in his second favorite hobby, singing, to his teacher, Céline Bognini, after soccer.

In those days, while his music teacher led the choir, Kylian joined in, and they performed together at Bondy’s town hall park. Their repertoire included a variety of songs, mostly French.

Apart from dedicating some time to music, young Kylian was selective about his commitments, prioritizing football over other activities like full-time schooling.

Although he briefly attended school, where he was classmates with William Saliba, the PSG star soon shifted most of his focus to football classes.

In addition to his football training, Kylian’s father, Wilfried, also held private study sessions with him. In essence, this was Kylian’s unique form of homeschooling.

Kylian Mbappe Biography – Football Story:

At the age of six, in 2004, Wilfried enrolled young Kylian at AS Bondy, where he worked as a coach.

From then on, the primary focus was on Kylian’s football development. Even at a young age, the talented youngster began contributing to AS Bondy’s trophy wins.

With his father’s guidance, young Kylian quickly mastered clinical finishing, speed, and dribbling. In fact, one of his AS Bondy youth coaches, who goes by the name Antonio Riccardi, once commented:

“The first time I coached Kylian, it was evident he was different. He surpassed the other children at AS Bondy in many ways. Kylian’s dribbling was already exceptional, and his speed set him apart. He remains the best player I’ve ever seen in my 15 years coaching children. While Paris boasts many talents, I had never encountered one like him before.”

The Parental Strategy of Meeting Football Heroes:

During his non-footballing hours, Kylian didn’t socialize with friends or attend typical children’s events, unlike William Saliba, who was also coached by his father.

Instead of attending birthday parties or other kid gatherings, Kylian’s parents took a unique approach to his upbringing. They decided to expose him to football heroes.

Fayza and Wilfried’s first target was the French icon Thierry Henry. Meeting the Arsenal legend was considered an unforgettable moment for Kylian.

At the time, Thierry Henry wasn’t aware that he was meeting a 5-year-old boy who would one day break two of his national records.

The next target for the adventurous child was to meet a man with a similar family origin to his mother, Fayza Lamari.

When he met Zinedine Zidane, the Real Madrid legend had no idea that an ordinary boy would one day break his Champions League record.

More of that Great Father-Son Relationship and Pursuit of Football Trials::

For Coach Wilfried Mbappe, there was no waiting for his son to grow up before imparting life’s lessons.

The devoted father established a strong bond with Kylian, discussing everything about life from an early age.

Their outings were filled with football discussions, cementing a genuine father-son friendship that was unbreakable.

From Visiting Big Brother to Rennes Trial:

During those days, Kylian and his parents often visited Stade Rennais to watch his older half-brother, Jirès Kembo-Ekoko, play.

As Kylian approached his teenage years, Wilfried believed it was time for his son to leave his current club (AS Bondy) for a larger academy.

So, the family decided that Kylian should join his big brother at Stade Rennais FC.

Kylian was invited to trials, which took the form of a detection tournament for under-12s.

And guess what? The youngster single-handedly led his team to victory and clinched the trophy for the competition.

Just after the tournament, Kylian emerged as the top performer, becoming the number one priority for the Rennais recruitment team.

Desperate to secure his enrollment, the club even sent officials to visit Kylian’s family home in an attempt to persuade Fayza and Wilfried to let their son join their academy.

According to Dréossi, one of Rennes’ staff members:

“We tried our best. My team visited Bondy multiple times to negotiate with his parents. They are people we know well. Wilfried and Fayza are very knowledgeable about sports. We made offers, but unfortunately, we were unsuccessful. Despite our efforts, we couldn’t secure his commitment.”

The Clairefontaine Story:

Following the unsuccessful negotiations with Rennes, Mbappe eventually enrolled in France’s national football school.

Clairefontaine is renowned as France’s national soccer center, specializing in training the country’s top young talents.

Through his football education there, Kylian joined the ranks of Hall of Famers like Thierry Henry, Hatem Ben Arfa, Nicolas Anelka, Blaise Matuidi, and William Gallas.

His outstanding performances caught the attention of major European clubs such as Chelsea, Real Madrid, Liverpool, Manchester City, and Bayern Munich, all of whom invited him to have football trials.

Path to Fame:

At the age of 12, Kylian embarked on a journey to meet European teams interested in assessing his abilities. His first destination was England.

Upon arrival, Kylian’s parents booked an apartment for them, where he adorned the walls of his room with posters of his idol, Cristiano Ronaldo.

During his trial at Chelsea, the eager youngster played alongside England starlets Tammy Abraham and Jeremie Boga (who plays for Atalanta BC in 2023).

Following their team’s victory against Charlton (8-0), a delighted Kylian returned home. History tells us that Mbappe posed with his personalized Chelsea shirt, believing he had impressed the club. Unfortunately, Chelsea FC never contacted him.

The Real Madrid Childhood Experience:

Following the disappointment in England, Kylian Mbappe’s parents accepted an invitation from Zinedine Zidane to visit Real Madrid.

During his trials there, he finally had the long-awaited chance to meet his ultimate idol, Cristiano Ronaldo.

Finally, the young Kylian’s dream of meeting the player he idolized came true. Later on, even Cristiano Ronaldo couldn’t have imagined that the little boy he once met would challenge his dominance in world football.

Indeed, Kylian Mbappe’s Champions League title is one of the few accomplishments remaining before fans start drawing comparisons between him and CR7.

Kylian Mbappe Biography – The Success Story:

After unsuccessful negotiations with European clubs, the youngster ultimately chose to join Monaco.

With ASM, Kylian Mbappe flourished, quickly progressing from their academy to senior football.

To the delight of his entire family, Mbappe signed his first professional soccer contract on March 6th in the year 2016. However, frustration set in due to limited playing time for the young forward.

His father, Wilfried, expressed his dissatisfaction, warning that his son would seek a transfer in the January window if things didn’t improve.

Shortly after, Monaco’s manager, Leonardo Jardim, decided to start Kylian against Montpellier.

That game marked Mbappe’s breakthrough as he played a significant role in the 6-2 victory over Montpellier.

Since that day, the rising star has never looked back in the world of soccer. With his  total of 26 goals in the 2016–17 season, young Mbappe helped Monaco win the Ligue 1 title, solidifying his status as a prominent player.

PSG and the 2018 FIFA World Cup:

After emerging as a global sensation, a frenzy of transfer interest followed Kylian Mbappe. This resulted in a staggering €145 million transfer fee, with an additional €35 million in add-ons, setting a world record for Paris Saint-Germain.

Upon joining PSG, Mbappe lived up to the expectations of being the most expensive teenager in history. He played a pivotal role in PSG’s success, contributing significantly to their treble triumph and earning accolades such as Ligue 1 Player of the Year and top scorer.

In May 2018, Mbappe received a call-up to join the France squad for the FIFA World Cup in Russia. Forming a potent attacking partnership with Antoine Griezmann, Mbappe accomplished a remarkable feat by becoming the second teenager, following Pelé, to score in a World Cup Final. This contribution ultimately assisted France in securing the prestigious trophy.

Following the World Cup, Mbappe’s career continued to soar as he clinched back-to-back league top goalscorer titles. His exceptional talent and remarkable performances in club football have earned him numerous honors at a remarkably young age.

More significantly, this trajectory indicates that Kylian Mbappe is poised to succeed Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as one of the GOATS (greatest footballers of all time).

As of now, fans eagerly await Kylian’s announcement regarding his objectives and plans regarding a move to Real Madrid. Whatever the future holds, it’s certain that the rest of Mbappe’s journey will undoubtedly make history.

Facts about Alicia Aylies – Kylian Mbappe’s girlfriend:

The epitome of beauty, Alicia Aylies, began her modeling career with the Guyanese agency Mannky’n.

Born on April 21, 1998, Alicia is the only child of her parents, Marie-Chantal Belfroy and Philippe Aylies. She hails from the Caribbean island of Martinique, a French overseas territory.

Alicia’s father works as an environmental manager, while her mother previously worked as a driving school instructor.

At a young age of two, Alicia experienced her parents’ divorce, after which she was raised by her single mother, Marie-Chantal Belfroy.

Growing up with her mother, Alicia Aylies attended school in Remire-Montjoly and completed her secondary education with a degree in science from the lycée in 2016.

Following her graduation, she began studying law at the University of French Guiana, located in the ancestral country of French defender Jean-Clair Todibo. However, her passion for modelling led her to pursue this career path instead of law.

Photos of Alicia Aylies and Kylian Mbappe together are scarce on the internet. As of January 2021, they continue to keep their relationship private. It’s worth noting that Kylian Mbappe’s girlfriend holds the title of Miss France 2017.

As of writing Mbappe’s bio, there is no documented information regarding when Alicia Aylies first met and started dating Kylian.

Additionally, it’s worth noting that Alicia Aylies and Mbappe are not engaged or married, and they do not have any biological children together thus far.

The Alleged Romance Between Camille Gottlieb and Kylian Mbappe

Rumored to be his first girlfriend, Camille Gottlieb is not just an ordinary girl but royalty. She is the daughter of Jean Raymond Gottlieb, a former palace bodyguard and Princess Stéphanie of Monaco.

Before his relationship with Alicia Aylies, Kylian Mbappe was reportedly involved with Camille Gottlieb. She is the only girl who has been seen with the footballer.

For reasons unknown, their closeness came to an end, and Camille Gottlieb moved on with another man.

Kylian Mbappe Personal Life:

Kylian Mbappe is known for his endearing and mature personality, shaped by the nurturing upbringing he received from his parents.

He has a reflective nature, frequently taking time to appreciate life’s simple pleasures. In situations that could provoke anger, he chooses to understand and laugh it off instead of reacting impulsively.

Kylian Mbappe Lifestyle:

While Kylian Mbappe keeps his private life guarded, his penchant for luxury automobiles often makes headlines. As of January 2021, the football star boasts a collection of five high-end cars.

With his substantial earnings, estimated at millions per week, his car collection holds an approximate value of €780,000. Among the exotic and powerful vehicles in Mbappe’s garage are models from Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, BMW, and Range Rover.

Kylian Mbappe 2024 Net Worth:

As Kylian Mbappe continues to accumulate accolades, his wealth steadily grows, making an exact figure difficult to determine.

With an estimated income surpassing 20 million Euros, we project Mbappe’s net worth for 2021 to be around the £220 million mark.

His sources of wealth include his earnings as a footballer, as well as lucrative endorsement deals with major brands like Nike and EA Sports.

Mbappe is known to indulge in luxury vacations, particularly enjoying water island getaways. He has openly shared with fans his affinity for regular pool visits and expertise in aquatic workouts.

Kylian Mbappe Family Life:

Growing up in a close-knit household has undoubtedly played a significant role in shaping the confidence and success of the 2018 World Cup winner, Kylian Mbappe.

In the following section, we’ll delve deeper into Mbappe’s family background, exploring the influence of his parents, brothers, and other relatives.

About Kylian Mbappe’s Father:

Wilfried, a former regional footballer, transitioned into an educator at the local club where his son began his career. Their family resided near the Léo-Lagrange stadium, according to Taylor, a former neighbor. Wilfried, of Cameroonian descent with Nigerian roots, proudly embraces his African heritage.

This cultural influence is reflected in the names of his children, which we’ll unveil here. In line with tradition, Wilfried bestowed upon Kylian Mbappe the Yoruba middle name Adesanmi, meaning “crown fits me.” Similarly, his youngest son bears the name Adeyemi, another Nigerian Yoruba name signifying “the crown befits you.”

Wilfried is recognized as both forward-thinking and strict, particularly in matters relating to football management and negotiations. He exercises discernment in every decision his son makes, ensuring Kylian remains grounded despite his success.

About Kylian Mbappe’s Mother:

Born in 1974, Fayza Mbappe Lamari, also known as El-Amari in Arabic, enjoyed a successful career as a handball player, competing in AS Bondy’s first league from the late 1990s to the early 2000s.

Hailing from a football family, Fayza’s connection to the sport runs deep, as her father also played football in the Bondy Paris suburb.

Even today, Fayza remains a symbolic figure in the handball club of her French hometown, embodying strength and skill as a former right-winger. Here’s a glimpse of her during her active playing days.

Jean-Louis Kimmoun, a former AS Bondy board member, shared insights into Fayza’s playing days with ‘Le Parisien’:

“She grew up right across from our handball hall. Many of Fayza’s brothers were part of the club, and on the court, she displayed a fierce fighting spirit. Matches often became intense when Fayza confronted her opponents.”

Beyond her sporting prowess, Fayza is described as a charming individual who maintains a keen interest in handball to this day. She takes pride in watching her son mature into a remarkable young man and a prominent figure in the world of football.

About the Mbappe Brothers:

Let’s delve into the trio of brothers. Is there anything quite like the strong bond between sporting siblings? Indeed, the camaraderie among these three is unparalleled.

Jires Kembo-Ekoko – Kylian Mbappe’s Elder Brother:

Jires Kembo-Ekoko, the French Congolese footballer, was born on January 8, 1988, in Kinshasa, Zaire (now Congo). His passion for soccer was inherited from his father, Kembo Uba Kembo, a retired footballer who represented the DR Congo team in the 1974 FIFA World Cup.

At the age of six, Kembo-Ekoko moved to Europe and settled in Bondy, France, under the care of his uncle and older sister. While his parents remained in Congo, his mother made the decision to send him to France for his education.

As a young boy, Kembo-Ekoko was adopted by the Mbappé family, with Wilfried Mbappé, Kylian’s father, becoming his legal guardian. Despite being ten years older than Kylian, Jires is regarded as his first idol. Their bond goes beyond mere closeness; they are deeply connected. Jires has played as a striker for various clubs including Clairefontaine, Rennes, Al Ain (UAE), El Jaish, Al Nasr, and Bursaspor (Turkey).

Kylian Mbappe’s Little Brother – Ethan Adeyemi Mbappe:

Born in 2005, Ethan Adeyemi is Kylian’s biological brother, sharing the same parents, Fayza Lamari and Wilfried. His middle name, Adeyemi, was bestowed upon him by his father, honoring their Nigerian heritage, signifying “the crown befits you.” It’s important to note that Ethan Adeyemi is not related to Karim Adeyemi.

Ethan, seven years younger than his older brother Lotton, holds a special place in Kylian’s heart. He’s the inspiration behind Kylian’s celebration style, where he crosses his arms and gives a thumbs up. This unique celebration originated from their FIFA matches, where Ethan would use this gesture whenever he won against Kylian.

In a memorable moment, Kylian made a deal with Monaco to have Ethan as his mascot. Reflecting on the decision, Kylian humorously recounted how Ethan persistently requested to be his mascot until he finally relented, saying, “Ethan wanted it so much. He kept bothering me at home, saying ‘Take me, take me!’ So, I said, ‘Okay, fine, come on then!'”

Kylian once granted his little brother, Ethan Adeyemi, a wish related to the UEFA Champions League.

About Kylian Mbappe’s Grandfather:

In Cameroon, many people believe that Maréchal Samuel Mbappé Léppé is the grandfather of the PSG striker. Maréchal, a retired footballer who died in 1985, became famous as the first captain to lift the old African Champions Clubs’ Cup which was held in the 1964/65 season.

Maréchal Samuel Mbappé Léppé, born in 1936, gained fame as a striker for Orix Bellois in Douala. Posthumously, Kylian’s alleged grandfather was honored with the “African Legend” trophy by the African Football Confederation in 2015.

Kylian Mbappe’s Relatives:

Among them, Pierre Mbappé stands out, being Wilfried’s brother. Born on September 18, 1973, he’s a football coach who previously managed US Ivry and Stade Lavallois. Pierre, Kylian Mbappé’s notable uncle, once surprised many by mentioning that his nephew often watches Chelsea matches.

In Cameroon, another notable figure is Christian Dippah. Spending most of his life in the West African country, he was widely regarded as Kylian’s uncle.

Kylian Mbappe Untold Facts:

Sure, let’s dive into some fascinating facts about the PSG striker to round up his biography!

The Origin of the Donatello Nickname:

In 2017, there was a behind-the-scenes disagreement between Neymar and Kylian. While reflecting on the incident, Mbappe’s mother, Fayza, felt uneasy about her son being persistently compared to Donatello, a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle. She was concerned that even Dani Alves had joined Neymar in teasing Kylian with the nickname, based on his appearance.

Around November of that year, Thiago Silva gave Mbappe an early Christmas present. Unbeknownst to him, Neymar had orchestrated the gift’s contents. When Mbappe opened the box, he found a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle mask inside. The resulting video went viral, with fans even dressing up as the turtle and causing pitch invasions.

Initially, Mbappe felt that the joke had gone too far, and he was tired of being laughed at. However, he eventually accepted the Donatello nickname.

The Kylian Mbappe Drogba Story:

In a moment that stung, the PSG star experienced disappointment after being overlooked by the Chelsea legend. Although it wasn’t entirely Didier Drogba‘s fault, the incident occurred after a 2009 Chelsea Champions League semi-final loss to Barcelona.

In a memorable moment after the match, Kylian Mbappe tried to approach Didier Drogba for a selfie, only to be brushed off as Drogba was caught up in expressing his frustration with the referee. Fast forward to 2019, and Mbappe and Drogba found themselves on the Ballon D’or stage together. This time, Drogba made amends for the missed opportunity a decade earlier and granted Mbappe’s request for a photo, fulfilling a ten-year-old promise.

What is Kylian Mbappe’s Religion?

Kylian Mbappe’s religious affiliation has been a topic of speculation among fans, especially after photos of him wearing Islamic attire surfaced online. However, it’s important to clarify that Mbappe is not Muslim. His father, Wilfried, has not converted to Islam, and his mother, Fayza, does not have a Muslim surname. Therefore, it’s unlikely that Mbappe practices Islam. He is actually a Christian by faith.

The reason behind Mbappe wearing Islamic attire is likely cultural rather than religious. In his hometown of Bondy, France, there is a significant population of black Christians who often face segregation from white Christians. As a result, wearing Islamic attire may be a cultural expression rather than a reflection of religious beliefs for Mbappe and others in similar communities.

Computing Kylian Mbappe Height to Popular Basketballers:

There’s a common misconception among football fans regarding Kylian Mbappe’s height. While he may appear taller due to his long legs, Mbappe stands at 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 meters) tall. In comparison, LeBron James measures 6 feet 9 inches (2.06 meters), and Giannis Antetokounmpo stands at 6 feet 11 inches (2.11 meters).

FIFA Facts:

Thank you for entrusting us with Kylian Mbappe’s biography! We aimed to capture the essence of his journey and inspire readers with his story of discipline and perseverance. Wilfried and Fayza Lamari’s guidance paved the way for Kylian’s success, despite the challenges they faced in Bondy.

Jires Kembo-Ekoko played a crucial role as Kylian’s first idol, passing on the torch to Ethan Adeyemi, who holds great promise for the future. As Kylian’s future remains uncertain amid reports of his potential departure from PSG, one thing is certain: he’s destined to lead football into a new era beyond Messi and Ronaldo (CR7 and dnot the Brazilian Ronaldo).

We strived for accuracy and fairness in crafting Kylian’s memoir, but if you spot any discrepancies, please let us know. We value your feedback and invite you to share your thoughts on the French superstar in the comments section. Explore our ranking gallery and wiki table for a summary of Kylian Mbappe’s bio.