Kylian Mbappe, the French professional footballer, is known not only for his exceptional talent and skill on the pitch but also for his unique jersey number – 7. The number 7 is considered one of the most prestigious numbers in football, worn by legends like Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham, and George Best. However, the story behind Mbappe’s choice of jersey number is both inspiring and emotional.
Mbappe was born in 1998 in Bondy, a suburb of Paris. Growing up, he was a talented footballer and idolized Brazilian football legend, Pele. However, he faced numerous challenges and obstacles on his path to becoming a professional footballer. His parents, both immigrants from Cameroon and Algeria, faced financial struggles, and Mbappe had to overcome racism and discrimination at various points in his life.
Despite these challenges, Mbappe continued to pursue his passion for football and joined the youth academy of AS Bondy, a local club. It was there that he first wore the number 7 jersey. The number 7 had special significance for him as it represented his father’s birth year – 1977. Mbappe’s father, Wilfried Mbappe, had been a youth football coach and had played a significant role in his son’s development as a footballer.
Since joining PSG, Mbappe has continued to wear the number 7 jersey and has become one of the club’s most important players. He has won numerous domestic and international trophies and has been named Ligue 1’s Player of the Year multiple times.
The story behind Kylian Mbappe’s jersey number is a testament to his resilience, determination, and love for his family. By choosing to wear the number 7 in honor of his father, Mbappe has not only paid tribute to his family but also created a legacy for himself in French football. His journey from Bondy to the top of world football is an inspiring story for football fans everywhere.