Ester Expósito on 2026 World Cup Loyalty Dilemma: Kylian Mbappé’s Girlfriend Admits ‘Heart is Completely Divided’

Receiving the Golden Nymph for International Rising Star at the Monte-Carlo Television Festival on Friday, June 12, Spanish actress Ester Expósito found herself fielding questions that had little to do with her acting career — and everything to do with football’s biggest tournament.

Expósito, 26, is reportedly in a relationship with Real Madrid and France captain Kylian Mbappé. Speaking to French newspaper Le Parisien following the ceremony, she made a candid admission about her knowledge of the sport before entering Mbappé’s orbit. “The truth? I know nothing about football! Before this year, I didn’t even know what an offside was. It’s a joke between us,” she said.

Far from embarrassed by the confession, the actress presented it as part of an ongoing personal education. “I certainly didn’t know the rules of the game. I’m learning, slowly. I’m there to support, not to analyze the tactics,” she added.

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup well underway across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Expósito also addressed what she described as a genuine emotional conflict. Born and raised in Spain, she finds herself in the position of watching her home nation compete in the same tournament as the man she is reportedly dating. “It’s a nightmare! My heart is completely divided. On one side, there is my country, my family and my home. On the other… well, you know,” she told the publication. She then added with a laugh: “Let’s just say I hope for a final where everyone is happy.”

Expósito also took the opportunity to push back against claims that she was unaware of who Mbappé was before they met — a suggestion she dismissed, according to reports. While neither she nor Mbappé has issued an official confirmation of the relationship, the pair have not denied the speculation either. A series of public sightings, including appearances in Cagliari and images published by Hola magazine, have fuelled widespread reporting of their involvement.

Despite the heightened public attention that comes with being linked to one of the world’s most recognisable footballers, Expósito stressed that her professional focus remains intact. The actress, whose estimated net worth stands at $2 million USD, is currently preparing for two major upcoming projects: the Prime Video thriller Enfrentados: Marfil and the independent film Dante.

Mbappé, meanwhile, is at the centre of France’s 2026 World Cup campaign — one of the most scrutinised squads in the tournament. The 25-year-old joined Real Madrid ahead of the 2024-25 season after departing Paris Saint-Germain, where he became the club’s all-time top scorer. His performances at this World Cup are being closely monitored, with live Golden Ball rankings already placing him among the frontrunners.

For Expósito, whose international profile has risen sharply following her Monte-Carlo recognition, the World Cup represents an unusual backdrop to what is, by her own account, still a very new relationship with football itself.