Kylian Mbappe and Ester Exposito have all but confirmed their romance after being spotted together in public following the Frenchman's return to Madrid. The Real Madrid superstar was caught by paparazzi spending the afternoon with the 'Elite' actress, ending months of intense speculation regarding their private lives.
The road to the 2026 World Cup has officially taken a brick-built turn as football’s biggest icons have been transformed into LEGO form. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo lead an all-star cast that includes Real Madrid duo Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr in a new advert that is certain to break the internet.
Kylian Mbappe was only 19 when he turned the 2018 World Cup into his personal announcement to the world - breaking French records and matching feats last seen in Pele’s era, all while powering Les Bleus to a title that felt like the beginning of something historic. For the latest edition of Icons, GOAL's podcast and feature series that revisits the last 10 World Cups through the moments, characters, and controversies that defined them, bringing the spirit of each tournament vividly back to life, we look back on how Mbappe ran the show in Russia for France...
Portugal cult hero Ricardo Quaresma has made his feelings clear on the debate over who is the current best player in the world. The former winger snubbed established icons like Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe in favour of Barcelona teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.
Kylian Mbappe appreciates that he cannot expect to be immune from criticism at Real Madrid, with questions having previously been asked of Cristiano Ronaldo and Alfredo Di Stefano. France international Mbappe is now head ‘Galactico’ at Santiago Bernabeu, with his goal output delivering on expectations, but he does not consider himself to be untouchable.
Ester Exposito, one of the stars of Netflix show ‘Elite’, has broken her silence on a supposed romantic relationship with Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe. The 26-year-old actress was spotted enjoying VIP hospitality at the recent Madrid derby date between Real and Atletico at Santiago Bernabeu. She has previously been seen heading to Paris with World Cup winner Mbappe.
Neymar has detailed the immense emotional burden while toiling for full fitness at Santos. The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain superstar says the pressure to perform in his homeland is "crushing" as he eyes a World Cup spot with Brazil. Despite the weight of expectation, the veteran forward took time to laud former team-mate Kylian Mbappe’s elite finishing.
Kylian Mbappe has dismissed suggestions that he is prioritising the French national team over his club commitments at Real Madrid. The forward addressed growing concerns in the Spanish capital following a period of fitness uncertainty and high-stakes fixtures at club level.
Kylian Mbappe has been hailed as the greatest striker in the history of the French national team by legendary forward Jean-Pierre Papin. The Real Madrid superstar is currently closing in on the all-time scoring record for Les Bleus as he continues to cement his legacy on the international stage.
Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos has singled out Federico Valverde as the indispensable engine behind Los Blancos' pursuit of silverware this season. The retired German maestro believes the Uruguayan has stepped up to 'carry' a star-studded squad featuring the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. As the campaign enters its final stretch, Valverde’s leadership and clinical form have placed him at the heart of the club's post-Kroos era.
Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike has hailed his first season in England as a "pivotal year" following a standout performance in France’s 2-1 friendly win over Brazil. The 23-year-old, who moved to Anfield from Eintracht Frankfurt last summer, is rapidly cementing his place in Didier Deschamps' plans. As the 2026 World Cup approaches, Ekitike is relishing the freedom of playing alongside world-class talents in the French attack.
Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe has reportedly reached breaking point with the club's medical department. L'Equipe claims the Frenchman has personally intervened by contacting president Florentino Perez to inform him that he doesn't want Madrid staff to treat him anymore.