As the FIFA World Cup 2026 begins, France star Kylian Mbappe has found himself making headlines away from the football field. The Real Madrid striker was recently photographed enjoying a luxury vacation in Ibiza with Spanish actress Ester Exposito. The images, published this month but reportedly taken in May, have reignited speculation that the two are romantically involved. Neither Mbappe nor Exposito has publicly commented on the nature of their relationship.
Mbappe and Exposito's Ibiza Escape
The photos quickly went viral on social media. They show the pair spending time together aboard a luxury yacht in the Mediterranean. Mbappe and Exposito appeared relaxed and comfortable in each other’s company. From sunbathing on deck to sharing affectionate moments and enjoying water activities, the getaway has become one of the most talked-about celebrity stories ahead of the World Cup. The timing of the trip has also drawn fresh attention from football fans as Mbappe prepares to lead France’s quest for another world title.
Memorable Moments from the Yacht Trip
The photographs captured several memorable moments from the couple’s day at sea. Kylian Mbappe and Ester Exposito were seen riding jet skis across the Mediterranean waters. The French forward was driving while the actress held onto him as they laughed together. They also spent time paddleboarding. At one point, Exposito fell into the water but appeared to take the incident lightly and laughed as she climbed back up.
For the outing, Exposito wore an orange bikini paired with stylish beach accessories. Mbappe chose colorful swim shorts for the yacht trip. Later, the pair were photographed walking barefoot along the beach while carrying their sandals. They eventually stopped at a waterfront restaurant for lunch.
As the day continued, Exposito added a green cover-up dress and sunglasses to complete her beach look. Mbappe changed into a black sleeveless shirt, black shorts, a cap, and sunglasses. The football star appeared to be trying to keep a low profile, although the cameras followed their every move.
Previous Sightings and Criticism
The Ibiza vacation came shortly after the pair were spotted together in Sardinia, Italy. During that earlier trip, they reportedly stayed at a luxury hotel and spent time aboard another yacht. The visit happened while Mbappe was recovering from a hamstring injury.
That trip attracted criticism from some Real Madrid supporters, who questioned whether the timing was appropriate given his injury concerns and the club’s disappointing finish to the season. However, people close to the player dismissed those concerns. They explained that his recovery process remained under the supervision of Real Madrid’s medical team and stressed that his dedication to training and helping the club had never been in doubt.
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