Granny calls & flute lessons: 7️⃣ surprising facts about Kylian Mbappé | OneFootball

Kylian Mbappé is known as a goal scorer, world champion, and superstar – but behind the glamour of the big stadiums, there's much more. Beyond Real Madrid and Ballon d'Or discussions, he has quirks, habits, and stories that make him even more intriguing. From phone calls with his grandma to a secret passion for the flute: 'L’Équipe' published a big interview with the French superstar on Wednesday.

Here are seven things about Mbappé that you definitely didn't know.

1. His older brother was a professional in Ligue 1

While his younger brother Ethan Mbappé now plays for LOSC Lille, it is often forgotten that his older brother Jirès Kembo Ekoko also had a professional career. From 2006 to 2012, he was under contract with Stade Rennes (139 games, 21 goals) and was even an U21 national player. For the young Kylian, he was a role model – he inherited not only his Rennes jerseys but also one of his tricks: the famous shot feint that Mbappé uses worldwide today.

2. He calls his grandmother before every game

Christine Mbappé, who has never appeared publicly, holds a special place in her grandson's life. "On game day, she calls me in the morning, at noon, and in the evening," Mbappé says. His grandma was even the only person he called directly after the lost World Cup final in 2022 against Argentina. For her, he is not only "the best player in the world" but also a real "Beau Gosse."

3. Robinho and Kevin Durant are his idols

Of course, his admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo is well known. "He was practically Portuguese at heart in his youth," his mother says laughing. But the Brazilian Robinho was also one of his childhood idols – on Facebook, he even called himself "Kylian Robinho Gaucho" back then. He also admires basketball star Kevin Durant, whom he describes as "his favorite player" in the NBA.

4. Plan B: Model instead of football star

At 14, he confided in his grandmother: "If football doesn't work out, I'll become a model." Today, he lives both – a sports icon on the field and a brand ambassador for luxury brands.

5. Aznavour instead of rap

Today, Mbappé mainly listens to rappers like Tiakola, who, like him, comes from Bondy. But as a child, his musical preferences were completely different: At five, he could already recite the entire repertoire of Charles Aznavour by heart.

6. Many cars – no driver's license

Whether Ferrari or other luxury cars: Mbappé owns an impressive collection. The curious thing: He doesn't have a driver's license. In Paris, it is impossible to get one for security reasons, his mother explains. The plan is for him to take the test in Madrid.

7. He played the flute

As a child, he was allowed to choose his musical instrument himself – and surprisingly chose the flute. For his father Wilfried, a sign that his son "always does what he truly loves."

Whether on the field or in private life – Kylian Mbappé repeatedly shows facets that make him much more than just a football star. And by the way: His favorite dish is Spaghetti Carbonara.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.

📸 FRANCK FIFE - AFP or licensors