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While Kylian Mbappé may not possess the superhuman speed of a bullet, the strength to rival a locomotive, or the ability to effortlessly soar over tall buildings, the French soccer sensation has carved a niche for himself as a goal-scoring maestro with a touch of magic on the football field. The question arises: which fortunate couple won the genetic lottery to bring forth such an athletic demi-god?
Although Mbappé doesn’t trace his lineage to the mythical realms of Zeus or Mount Olympus, he is deified by fans of Paris Saint-Germain FC and the French national team. At 25, he showcases football prowess that leaves grown men weeping, women fainting, and the universe trembling in awe. Despite his youth, his list of accomplishments is already extensive. At 19, he joined Pelé as the only teenagers to score in a World Cup Final that France emerged victorious from. Mbappé holds the title of PSG’s all-time top goal-scorer and has even ventured into the literary realm with a graphic novel titled “Je m’appelle Kylian,” inspiring youngsters to dream big.
Perhaps it’s this optimism and ambition that contributed to his rank as the third-highest-paid athlete in 2023, trailing behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Alternatively, it could be the result of the physical prowess bestowed upon him from birth—a boon that a sports-obsessed, neo-liberal capitalist society readily rewards. Despite possessing otherworldly talents, Mbappé isn’t a creation of kryptonite, harnessed lightning, or liquid mercury; he is, in fact, a mortal with a mother and a father.
Mbappé’s mom, Fayza Lamari, hailing from Algeria, emerges as a force to be reckoned with—a woman of determination and willpower capable of moving mountains. She serves as Mbappé’s agent, negotiating lucrative contracts, and displaying her sports acumen derived from her own career as a professional handball player. Lamari, with her KEWFJ company named after her family members, including Kylian, plays a pivotal role in her son’s career. In a reported dispute over wages, she initially demanded 50%, but eventually settled for a 30% cut of Mbappé’s earnings.
On the other hand, Mbappé’s father, Wilfried Mbappé, not only contributed to his genetic makeup but also played a crucial role as his coach. Born in Cameroon, Wilfried refined his coaching skills at AS Bondy, molding talents like Arsenal’s William Saliba and Fiorentina’s Jonathan Ikone. Despite the separation of Mbappé’s parents, they maintain an amicable relationship, united in their commitment to doing what’s best for their son.