Kylian Mbappé, the French football sensation, has taken the world by storm with his incredible skills, blistering speed, and dazzling footwork. Born on December 20, 1998, in Bondy, France, Mbappé quickly rose to fame, becoming one of the youngest players to score in a World Cup final. At just 19, he helped lead France to victory in the 2018 World Cup, cementing his status as a football prodigy. But there’s more to Mbappé than just his on-field heroics. From his love for anime to his charitable endeavors, Mbappé’s life is filled with fascinating stories and quirky facts. Here are 20 fun facts about Kylian Mbappé that will give you a deeper insight into the life of this football superstar.
1. Kylian Mbappé’s Love for Anime
Kylian Mbappé is a huge fan of anime, especially Dragon Ball Z. He often talks about how the characters inspire him to push his limits on the football field. In fact, he has been spotted wearing Dragon Ball Z-themed clothing and even uses references from the show in his social media posts. His favorite character? Goku, of course! Mbappé admires Goku’s relentless determination and never-give-up attitude, which he tries to emulate in his own life. Rumor has it that he once joked about transforming into a Super Saiyan to boost his speed on the pitch!
2. A Family of Athletes
Mbappé comes from a family of athletes. His father, Wilfried Mbappé, was a football coach, and his mother, Fayza Lamari, was a professional handball player. Growing up in such a sports-oriented household, it’s no surprise that Kylian developed a passion for football. His younger brother, Ethan, is also following in his footsteps and plays for the PSG youth team. There’s even a fun story about how young Kylian used to dribble past his family members in their living room, leaving them in awe of his budding talent.
3. The Bondy Prodigy
Kylian Mbappé was dubbed the “Bondy Prodigy” early in his career. Bondy, his hometown, is a small suburb in the northeast of Paris. It was here that Mbappé’s extraordinary talent was first discovered. He played for AS Bondy, a local club, where his father was a coach. His impressive performances soon caught the attention of scouts from bigger clubs. There’s a local legend in Bondy that Kylian once scored so many goals in a youth match that the opposing team’s coach jokingly asked for his birth certificate to verify his age!
4. The Youngest French Player to Score in a World Cup
At the 2018 World Cup, Kylian Mbappé became the youngest French player to score in a World Cup, at the age of 19. His stunning performance throughout the tournament earned him the Best Young Player Award. Mbappé’s goal in the final against Croatia made him only the second teenager in history, after Pelé, to score in a World Cup final. There’s a funny anecdote about how Mbappé celebrated his World Cup victory by playing FIFA with his friends and recreating his own goals in the game!
5. A Heart of Gold
Despite his fame and success, Kylian Mbappé remains incredibly humble and generous. After winning the World Cup, he donated all his earnings from the tournament, around $500,000, to a children’s charity. Mbappé believes that young athletes should use their influence to make a positive impact in the world. He is also known for his visits to hospitals and schools, where he spends time with children, spreading joy and inspiration. There’s a touching story of how Mbappé once surprised a young fan undergoing cancer treatment by visiting him and playing a game of football in the hospital hallway.
6. The Real-Life Flash
Kylian Mbappé’s speed on the field has earned him comparisons to comic book superheroes. With a top speed of 38 km/h (23.6 mph), he’s often referred to as “The Flash” by fans and commentators. His incredible acceleration and agility make him a nightmare for defenders. During a match against Argentina in the 2018 World Cup, Mbappé sprinted from his own half to the opponent’s penalty area in a matter of seconds, leading to a penalty for France. This blistering pace has led to humorous comparisons, with memes circulating online depicting Mbappé as the fastest man alive.
7. The Face of FIFA
In 2020, Kylian Mbappé was chosen as the cover star for the popular video game FIFA 21. This was a dream come true for Mbappé, who grew up playing the game. Being on the cover of FIFA is a significant honor for any footballer, as it solidifies their status as one of the top players in the world. Mbappé’s reaction to seeing himself on the cover for the first time was priceless—he shared a video on social media where he excitedly opened the game case and held it up with a big smile, thanking his fans for their support.
8. The Philanthropist
Kylian Mbappé is deeply committed to philanthropy. In addition to donating his World Cup earnings to charity, he has supported numerous causes over the years. He established the “Inspired by KM” foundation, which aims to inspire children to achieve their dreams, whether in sports, education, or the arts. Mbappé often hosts charity events and auctions, raising funds for various initiatives. There’s a heartwarming story of how Mbappé once auctioned off a pair of his signed boots to help fund a young athlete’s training expenses, showing his dedication to giving back.
9. The Multilingual Maestro
Kylian Mbappé is not only a football genius but also a multilingual maestro. He is fluent in French, English, and Spanish, which makes him a valuable asset in the international football community. His ability to communicate with teammates and coaches from different countries has earned him praise for his leadership and adaptability. There’s a funny story about how Mbappé once acted as a translator during a press conference, seamlessly switching between languages and leaving the journalists in awe of his linguistic skills.
10. The Music Lover
Mbappé has a great love for music and is often seen jamming to his favorite tunes. He enjoys a wide range of genres, from hip-hop to pop. Mbappé is known to be a huge fan of Drake, and there’s even a humorous incident where he tried to sing one of Drake’s songs during a live Instagram session, much to the delight of his fans. He also enjoys playing the piano and has shared videos of himself practicing on social media. There’s a lighthearted rumor that Mbappé once considered collaborating with a famous DJ to release his own track!
11. The Foodie
Kylian Mbappé is quite the foodie and loves exploring different cuisines. His favorite food? Italian! Mbappé has often expressed his love for pizza and pasta, and he enjoys trying out new Italian restaurants whenever he travels. There’s a fun story about how he once visited a famous pizzeria in Naples with his PSG teammates and ended up making his own pizza in the kitchen. The result? A delicious masterpiece that the chef proudly named “Pizza Mbappé”! His teammates often tease him about his culinary skills, but Mbappé takes it all in stride.
12. The Video Game Enthusiast
Mbappé is an avid video game enthusiast. When he’s not on the field, you can often find him playing FIFA, Call of Duty, or Fortnite. He enjoys playing with friends and even participates in online tournaments. Mbappé once revealed in an interview that he finds playing video games a great way to relax and unwind after intense matches and training sessions. There’s a hilarious story about how he once lost a bet with a teammate over a game of FIFA and had to wear a silly costume to training as a forfeit!
13. The Admirer of Cristiano Ronaldo
Kylian Mbappé has always admired Cristiano Ronaldo and often cites him as one of his biggest inspirations. As a child, Mbappé had posters of Ronaldo on his bedroom walls and dreamed of one day playing alongside or against his idol. That dream came true when he faced Ronaldo on the pitch in the Champions League. There’s a touching moment captured on camera where Mbappé, despite being a fierce competitor, couldn’t hide his excitement when meeting Ronaldo for the first time. The two exchanged jerseys after the match, creating a memory that Mbappé will cherish forever.
14. The Record Breaker
Mbappé has broken numerous records throughout his career. At just 17, he became Monaco’s youngest-ever first-team player and goalscorer. His transfer to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in 2017 was one of the most expensive in football history, and he has continued to shatter records with his goal-scoring prowess. There’s a fun anecdote about how his teammates at PSG created a “Record Wall” in the locker room, where they post photos and statistics of all the records Mbappé breaks. It’s become a running joke among the team to see how quickly they run out of space on the wall!
15. The Fashion Forward Haircuts
Mbappé’s hairstyles often make headlines, as he enjoys experimenting with different looks. From bold patterns shaved into his hair to sleek, stylish cuts, Mbappé’s hairdos are always a topic of conversation. He once sported a haircut with his initials “KM” shaved into the side, which quickly became a trend among his fans. There’s a funny story about how Mbappé once lost a bet with his teammates and had to dye his hair a bright color for a week. The look didn’t last long, but it certainly got people talking!
16. The Fan of Thierry Henry
Growing up, Mbappé idolized Thierry Henry, the French football legend. He often watched videos of Henry’s best goals and tried to emulate his style on the pitch. Mbappé’s admiration for Henry was so strong that he once skipped school to meet his idol at a football event. When they finally met, Mbappé was starstruck, and Henry, recognizing his talent, offered him words of encouragement that Mbappé never forgot. There’s a charming story about how Mbappé, as a young boy, wrote a letter to Henry, expressing his dream of becoming a football star, which Henry kept and later showed him during a reunion.
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17. The Collector of Memorabilia
Mbappé is an avid collector of football memorabilia. His collection includes jerseys, boots, and balls signed by some of the greatest players in the history of the sport. He has a dedicated room in his house where he displays these treasured items. There’s a fascinating story about how Mbappé once traded his own signed jersey with a fellow footballer just to get his hands on a rare, vintage Maradona jersey. The two players met during an international tournament, and the trade became a legendary tale among their peers.
18. The Prankster
Mbappé has a playful side and loves pulling pranks on his teammates. Whether it’s hiding their shoes or setting up elaborate tricks in the locker room, Mbappé’s antics are well-known among the PSG squad. There’s a particularly funny story about how he once filled a teammate’s locker with balloons, leading to a hilarious scene when the unsuspecting player opened the door and was buried under a colorful avalanche. Mbappé’s sense of humor helps keep the team spirit high, and his teammates never know what to expect next.
19. The Fitness Enthusiast
Mbappé takes his fitness very seriously and follows a rigorous training regime. He often shares videos of his workouts on social media, inspiring his fans to stay active and healthy. His dedication to fitness is evident in his incredible performance on the field, where he displays remarkable stamina and agility. There’s a fun story about how Mbappé once challenged his teammates to a push-up contest during a training camp, and to everyone’s surprise, he emerged victorious, outlasting even the fittest members of the squad.
20. The Ambassador for PSG
As one of PSG’s most high-profile players, Mbappé often represents the club at various events and functions. His charismatic personality and popularity make him the perfect ambassador for the team. There’s a charming anecdote about how Mbappé once visited a local school as part of a PSG outreach program, where he played football with the kids and signed autographs. The children were thrilled to meet their hero, and Mbappé’s visit left a lasting impression on them, showcasing his commitment to giving back to the community.
In conclusion, Kylian Mbappé is more than just a football superstar. He’s a multifaceted individual with a rich and fascinating life both on and off the pitch. From his love for anime and music to his philanthropic efforts and playful pranks, Mbappé’s story is one of inspiration, dedication, and joy. As he continues to dazzle the world with his incredible talent, there’s no doubt that Mbappé’s legacy will endure for generations to come.