Kylian Mbappe continued his exceptional form with another match-winning performance as France kicked off its FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign in style. While the French captain grabbed headlines on the pitch with a brilliant brace against Senegal, another name closely linked to him was making waves away from football.
Spanish actress Ester Exposito, rumored to be dating the Real Madrid forward, celebrated a major professional milestone just hours before France began its World Cup journey. Although neither Mbappe nor Exposito have publicly confirmed their relationship, both continue to generate buzz whenever their names are mentioned together.
Ester Exposito Bags Prestigious Monte-Carlo Television Festival Award
Exposito took to Instagram days before France's 3-1 World Cup opening match victory over Senegal to share a series of stunning photos from the Monte-Carlo Television Festival in Monaco. This marked a significant milestone in her acting career.
The 26-year-old won the International Golden Nymph for Most Promising Talent at the festival's 65th edition. This annual event is regarded as one of the most prestigious international gatherings in television, bringing together actors, producers, directors, and industry leaders from around the world.
Exposito responded to the honor with a heartfelt message on Instagram: “Thank you for this precious recognition.” The actress chose to focus solely on the award and her time at the festival. Mbappe and the FIFA World Cup were not mentioned in her post, further emphasizing the couple's desire to keep their personal lives out of the spotlight.
This approach has remained consistent despite months of speculation. The pair have been photographed together on several occasions, and rumors of their relationship have spread across social media and entertainment circles. Neither has publicly commented on or confirmed the reports.
Kylian Mbappe Shines Spotlight on Ester Exposito as Her Success Rises
Exposito has built an impressive career beyond celebrity headlines. She rose to international fame by playing Carla Rosón Caleruega in the hit Spanish drama Elite on Netflix. Since then, she has become one of the most recognizable young actresses in Spain, earning a loyal global fanbase.
She is equally popular online. Exposito boasts over 73 million followers on Instagram, where her posts about fashion, travel, and work routinely garner hundreds of thousands of reactions within hours.
Meanwhile, Mbappe continues to add to his already storied international career. His two goals against Senegal helped France start its World Cup campaign in style and allowed him to break several national scoring records.
France is now preparing for its next group match against Iraq, with the focus once again firmly on Mbappe. Exposito's latest honor serves as a reminder that she is forging a successful career of her own, separate from the football superstar she is often linked with.
