Sports

Who Is Kylian Mbappe's Father? Meet Wilfrid, a Former Professional Soccer Coach

Kylian Mbappé is undoubtedly one of the biggest soccer stars in the world. The Real Madrid forward has led France to the semifinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and now has the chance to add another world title after helping Les Bleus lift the trophy in 2018.

Mbappé has scored eight goals at the tournament so far and is closing in on Lionel Messi's all-time World Cup scoring record of 21 goals. At just 27 years old, the French captain is only one goal behind the Argentine legend.

Given his success on soccer's biggest stage, it's natural for fans to wonder about his childhood and the people who helped shape him into one of the game's greatest players.

One of the biggest influences on Mbappé's career has been his father, Wilfrid Mbappé.

Who is Kylian Mbappé's father, Wilfrid Mbappé?

Wilfrid Mbappé, 55, is a former youth soccer coach and football consultant originally from Cameroon.

Born in October 1970, he spent more than two decades coaching youth players at AS Bondy, a club in the Paris suburbs, where he played a key role in Kylian's early development.

Before moving into coaching, Wilfrid reportedly began his football journey as a player in Cameroon before moving to France and settling in Bondy.

He later devoted more than 25 years to AS Bondy, first as a youth coach before becoming the club's sporting director for the Under-10 through Under-17 teams.

 Kylian Mbappe celebrates the team's 1-0 victory in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Paraguay and France at Philadelphia Stadium on July 04, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images) Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images
Kylian Mbappe celebrates the team's 1-0 victory in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Paraguay and France at Philadelphia Stadium on July 04, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images) Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images

During his time at the club, Wilfrid built a reputation for developing young talent. More than 20 players he coached went on to become professional soccer players, including France and Arsenal defender William Saliba.

Today, Wilfrid continues to serve as one of Kylian's closest football advisors, overseeing the sporting side of his career, while Kylian's mother, Fayza Lamari, handles his business and contractual matters.

The 55-year-old has also spoken openly about the criticism directed at Kylian, particularly claims that he does not contribute enough defensively.

Wilfrid has consistently defended his son's style of play, arguing that his attacking qualities far outweigh any concerns about his defensive work.

"I'm not saying Kylian shouldn't defend, but how do we judge a player? We criticize someone who still scores 60 goals a season."

He added:

"I don't care if Kvaratskhelia runs back in the 90th minute of a Champions League final. Kylian does things others cannot. I would never ask that of my forwards, and not because he's my son."

Wilfrid has also expressed complete confidence in his son's ability, saying:

"A bad season for Kylian is an exceptional one for anyone else."

Wilfrid shares two biological sons with his former partner, Fayza Lamari-Kylian and his younger brother, Ethan Mbappé, who is also a professional soccer player. The family also adopted Jirès Kembo Ekoko, who went on to enjoy a professional soccer career.

Although Wilfrid and Fayza separated in 2021, they have continued to work together in supporting and managing their children's careers.

Copyright 2026 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved

This story was originally published July 14, 2026 at 11:46 AM.

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