Kylian Mbappé's Career: The Powerful Women Behind the Football Superstar
In the male-dominated world of football, Kylian Mbappé's career stands out as an exception, largely managed by a team of influential women. From his mother Fayza to key legal and PR advisors, these women have shaped his image and brand, challenging traditional norms in the sport.
The Family Foundation: Fayza and Wilfrid's Roles
From the outset, the Mbappé family maintained tight control over Kylian's career. Dozens of agents were rebuffed as father Wilfrid focused on sporting guidance, while mother Fayza handled all other aspects, with Kylian having the final say in decisions. This structure remains intact today, with no FIFA-registered agent involved, ensuring family members are the sole beneficiaries of his deals.
Key Advisors: Beyond the Inner Circle
While Luís Campos, a sporting adviser, and former journalist Bilel Ghazi provide support, they are not part of the inner circle. However, as Kylian approached his first professional contract with Monaco, the family sought external expertise, leading to the recruitment of lawyer Delphine Verheyden in 2015.
Delphine Verheyden: The Legal Architect
Fayza approached Verheyden, a 44-year-old Assas University graduate, who admitted knowing little about football but was chosen precisely for that reason. Verheyden, inspired by her internship in a Boston legal firm specializing in athletes, predicted lawyers would overtake traditional agents in France. She learned from mentor Jean-Jacques Bertrand, a renowned figure in sports law, and has since become a tough negotiator, charging hourly rates instead of commissions to avoid conflicts of interest.
Expanding the Female-Led Team
Verheyden's role has grown to coordinate a team of 30 full-time employees managing Kylian's image and investments. Other key women include Patricia Goldman, a PR strategist for elite clients like Alain Ducasse, who shapes Kylian's communication; Marie-Alix Canu-Bernard, a criminal lawyer who defended him in a 2024 legal case; and Barbara Uzzan, a tax advisor for his US ventures, including the Zebra Valley LLC company.
Fayza's Growing Influence
As Wilfrid's role diminished, Fayza's influence expanded, with her managing Kylian's companies and engaging with media. This female-led approach, rare in football, highlights how Kylian's career is steered by women with minimal football experience but significant expertise in law, PR, and finance.
This model, detailed in Philippe Auclair's book "The Mbappé Project," showcases a unique strategy in sports management, emphasizing trust, family, and professional women's guidance over traditional male-dominated agent networks.
