Growing up with siblings often shapes an athlete’s personality, and football has no shortage of famous brother duos. From Jude and Jobe Bellingham to Iñaki and Nico Williams, each pair shares a unique bond both on and off the pitch.

Kylian Mbappé has a story of his own. The Real Madrid and France superstar grew up alongside two brothers who have played important roles in his life. While Ethan Mbappé is following in his footsteps as a professional footballer, his older brother, Jirès Kembo Ekoko, also enjoyed a successful career in the sport.

Here’s everything to know about Kylian Mbappé’s brothers and the close family bond they share.

Who is Jirès Kembo Ekoko? Kylian Mbappé’s older adopted brother

Jirès Kembo Ekoko is Kylian Mbappé’s adopted older brother and the first member of the family to build a career in professional football. Born on January 8, 1988, in Kinshasa, Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo), he is nearly 11 years older than the Real Madrid star.

Long before Kylian and Ethan emerged on the football scene, Jirès had already paved the way. He is the biological son of the late Kembo Uba Kembo, the Congolese football legend who represented Zaire at the 1974 FIFA World Cup.

When Jirès was six years old, his mother sent him to France to pursue a better education and escape difficult circumstances back home. He initially lived with his uncle in Bondy before being welcomed into the home of Wilfried Mbappé and Fayza Lamari, who later adopted him.

Growing up alongside Kylian and Ethan, Jirès became an important influence on his younger brothers, inspiring them with his own journey through professional football.

What is Jirès Kembo Ekoko’s profession?

Jirès Kembo Ekoko enjoyed a professional career spanning more than a decade, primarily playing as a right winger or striker. Known for his pace, flair, and technical ability, he earned the nickname “Kembinho” during his playing days.

Like his late biological father, Jirès developed his game at AS Bondy, joining the club’s youth academy at the age of nine. His performances eventually earned him a move to Stade Rennais, where he began his professional career. After spells with several clubs across Europe and the Middle East, he retired from professional football in 2019.

Although Jirès prefers to stay out of the spotlight today, he has remained a supportive figure in Kylian’s life. He is believed to offer guidance behind the scenes and has occasionally celebrated his younger brother’s biggest milestones on social media, reflecting the close bond the two continue to share.

Who is Kylian Mbappé’s younger brother, Ethan Mbappé?

Ethan Mbappé is Kylian Mbappé’s younger biological brother and is quickly making a name for himself in French football. The 19-year-old plays as a central midfielder for Ligue 1 side LOSC Lille and is regarded as one of the country’s promising young talents.

Born on December 29, 2006, in Montreuil, France, Ethan is eight years younger than Kylian. Although carrying the Mbappé surname inevitably brings comparisons, he has focused on forging his own identity rather than following the exact same path as his older brother.

The two siblings also have contrasting playing styles. While Kylian is known for his explosive pace, direct attacking runs, and prolific goalscoring, Ethan thrives in midfield. A left-footed playmaker, he is praised for his composure under pressure, vision, and technical ability, using his intelligence on the ball to control the tempo of games.

What is Ethan Mbappé’s profession?

Like his older brothers, Ethan chose football as his career. He plays as a central midfielder and announced himself on the big stage when he made his senior debut for Paris Saint-Germain on December 20, 2023, coincidentally, Kylian’s 25th birthday. The appearance also allowed the two brothers to briefly share the pitch as first-team teammates.

Ethan’s future at PSG, however, changed after Kylian decided to leave the club for Real Madrid. The youngster’s contract was not renewed, and Kylian later revealed that he had even considered staying in Paris to shield his younger brother from the surrounding uncertainty. Ethan, however, encouraged him to make the move, determined to build his own career on merit rather than rely on his brother’s presence.

That decision led Ethan to LOSC Lille, where he signed a three-year contract in July 2024. He also chose the No. 29 shirt as he began the next chapter of his professional career, hoping to establish his own identity in Ligue 1.

Are Kylian Mbappé and Jirès Kembo Ekoko biological brothers?

No. Kylian and his eldest brother Jires are not biological brothers. Jires is the oldest and was adopted by Wilfried Mbappé and Fayza Lamari after moving to France from the Democratic Republic of the Congo as a child. 

His biological father was the late Kembo Uba Kembo, a legendary Congolese soccer player. Despite not sharing biological DNA, the two grew up under the same roof in Bondy, France, and maintain a deeply close, lifelong bond as brothers. There is almost an 11-year age gap between them, and Jires has always shown his support for his younger brothers and their careers.