If Wilfried Mbappé is most famous as the father of the football superstar Kylian Mbappé, his story is one of personal achievement and huge influence in the shaping of his son’s career path. From his early days in Cameroon through to France as an instructor/coach, Wilfried has carved for himself a renowned position in the game, both as a coach and agent.
Early Life and Background
Mbappé was born on October 11, 1970, in Douala, Cameroon. The story of Mbappé from Africa to Europe was that of one who was persevering and passionate about life. His family moved to France in search of better opportunities and settled into the suburban town of Bondy northeast of Paris. Since leaving, even though relocating Ekim was quite a challenge; he adapted to his new community rather fast, especially in the sports scene where his career as a football coach would begin. Wilfried’s influence in Bondy soon became immense, as he later took up roles in developing youth football. He was committed to bringing up young talent-a foundation that would later see his son Kylian meteorically rise in the sport. It wasn’t before long that he was a respected football coach to the extent of rising up the ranks and coaching many age groups in the town’s youth system.
Career as Football Coach and Agent
Wilfried’s career trajectory in France was driven by a passion for football and a desire to contribute to the development of young players. For nearly 25 years, he worked at AS Bondy, a local club where he played a pivotal role in coaching and managing youth teams. He helped develop players for professional careers, including Kylian, and other notables such as Jonathan Ikone, now at Fiorentina, and William Saliba, a defender at Arsenal.
At the same time, Wilfried didn’t stop at coaching. Eventually, he transitioned into the role of a football agent. For a period, he managed his son Kylian directly, helping him navigate his early development years to becoming an amazing talent for PSG and France’s national team. Despite the fact that Kylian later shifted his interests to the WME Sports agency, Wilfried’s influence on his son’s exceptional career is just incredible.
Family Life and Influence on Kylian
In 1997, Wilfried Mbappé married Fayza Lamari, a professional handball player of Algerian origin. The couple had two biological children, Kylian and Ethan, and adopted another son, Jires Kembo Ekoko, who also became a professional soccer player. With such a sportive background in their family, all three sons grew up in sports environments since their childhood.
Wilfried’s influence is far greater on Kylian than that of a coach. As a father, he has been able to instill in this young boy certain values such as discipline, hard work, and perseverance, which Kylian himself refers to rather often as the backbone of his success. The phenomenal growth of Kylian in world football, underlined by his winning of the Golden Boot in the 2018 FIFA World Cup and his contribution to France’s victory in the championship, testifies to the work ethic presented by Wilfried.
Wilfried’s Sons: Kylian, Ethan, and Jires
Wilfried Mbappé is not only a father to Kylian but also to other children. In 2006, Ethan Mbappé grew into his second son and began to follow in the footsteps of his elder brother. Just now, Ethan plays as a midfielder in the youth team of PSG and has just recently been called into its senior team. Another of Wilfried’s adopted sons, Jires Kembo Ekoko, born in 1988, would also turn professional. Though not as internationally known as Kylian, he has had a decent enough career as a striker with, amongst others, Rennes and Al Ain in the United Arab Emirates until his footballing retirement.
Personal Life and Net Worth
Despite all the media fuss about the family, Wilfried Mbappé has remained very discreet. He was married to Fayza Lamari, whom he had been with since a little over two decades before separating; they have children together and co-parent with no issues. All in all, Wilfried’s career has brought in a lot financially. His net worth is estimated to stand at about $5 million, amassed majorly from his career as a football coach and agent. That compares to a very small fraction of what Kylian’s net worth is; it is reportedly at $180 million.
The Legacy of Wilfried Mbappé
Wilfried Mbappé’s life is a hallmark of being dedicated to being a father and as a football professional. As much as Kylian’s feats have taken center stage in the world, few people appreciate what Wilfried did across the board to shape and mould such a career. His dedication to the nurturing of talent, not only in his children but also in the youth of Bondy, means that his legacy in football stretches interestingly beyond the title “Kylian Mbappé’s father.” Coaching youth football, managing his son’s career, and providing a supportive family, the influence of Wilfried Mbappé can be seen right across French football. It would now appear that in this continued success that Kylian currently enjoys on the global stage, much of it is derived from his father’s wisdom, support, and coaching.
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