Kylian Mbappé: A Family Legacy in Football
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French football sensation Kylian Mbappé is renowned not only for his extraordinary skills on the pitch but also for his family’s rich history in the sport. He is not alone in his prowess; both of his brothers have carved out their own paths in football, adding to the family’s legacy in the beautiful game.
Kylian’s younger brother, Ethan Mbappé, is making waves in Ligue 1, playing for Lille. Meanwhile, their elder brother, Jirès Kembo Ekoko, enjoyed a successful career in professional football before retiring in 2019 after 13 years. Jirès, who had featured for clubs such as Rennes and Al Nasr, was adopted by the Mbappé family after immigrating to France from Zaire, currently known as the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The Mbappé brothers’ journey began at a young age. Jirès signed with the French youth team AS Bondy at just nine years old, a club that later became the starting point for his brothers. Although the brothers did not overlap during their time at AS Bondy, Kylian and Ethan eventually played together at Paris Saint-Germain from 2023 to 2024. Following their stint at PSG, Kylian transferred to Real Madrid, while Ethan joined Lille.
Support from family has played a crucial role in Kylian’s career. When he was awarded the Golden Boy Award in 2017, an honour bestowed upon the best player under the age of 21 in Europe, both Jirès and Ethan expressed their pride and congratulations. Notably, Jirès shared his excitement on social media, stating, “It’s only the beginning #proud,” reflecting the close-knit relationship he shares with his brother.
Jirès Kembo Ekoko has a footballing lineage that dates back to his biological father, Kembo Uba Kembo, who was a player in the 1974 World Cup. Jirès’s own journey in football inspired Kylian and Ethan to follow suit. Kylian, who played at AS Bondy from 2004 to 2013, later highlighted the values instilled in them at the club. He expressed in a 2020 letter, “In Bondy, you learn values that go beyond football,” emphasising the unity and shared dreams that brought them together.
An exciting moment came when Kylian and Ethan played together for the first time in December 2023. This match marked a double significance; it was Ethan’s professional debut and coincided with Kylian’s 25th birthday. Their time as teammates, although brief, was a cherished memory for the brothers before they continued on their separate paths in football.
Today, Kylian remains a staunch supporter of Ethan’s burgeoning career at Lille. Ethan made headlines in March 2025 after earning his first start in a UEFA Champions League match, a significant milestone that Kylian celebrated through social media. His post, adorned with celebratory emojis, showcased the sibling bond that transcends the competitive nature of professional sports.
As Kylian continues to establish himself as one of the world’s top footballers, the shared experiences within the Mbappé family underline the importance of unity and support in their lives. The siblings’ journeys speak not merely of individual accomplishments but also of a shared passion for football and a broader familial camaraderie.
In a world where individualism often reigns supreme, the Mbappé brothers’ story serves to remind us of the importance of family ties and their role in achieving success. Kylian, Ethan, and Jirès each carry forward their personal stories as they contribute to the legacy of the Mbappé name in football, ensuring that the family’s impact on the sport will be felt for generations to come.
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