Kylian Mbappé addresses his dislike for the nickname “Kyks”

Kylian Mbappé has shared his thoughts on the nickname “Kyks,” revealing that he finds the moniker far from endearing.

In a previously unpublished excerpt from his interview with Clique, aired on December 9, the French football star delved into his feelings about the various nicknames he has acquired throughout his career.

Explaining his aversion to “Kyks,” Mbappé candidly said, “My father had a dog called ‘Kyky.’

So for me, ‘Kyky’ has always been a dog’s name.

The Paris Saint-Germain forward admitted he initially preferred “Kyky” to “Kyks” but remained puzzled about how the latter nickname gained traction.

It was my relatives who started calling me that,” he revealed.

When someone called me ‘Kyks,’ I’d turn around immediately because I knew it was someone close to me.

However, the nickname took on a life of its own, especially after it was inadvertently popularized in a TikTok video shared by the French national team on November 12, 2022, just before the Qatar World Cup.

The clip, which has since garnered over 48 million views, featured Mbappé using the nickname himself.

Reflecting on the widespread use of the term, Mbappé expressed his discomfort: “Now that it’s come out on TV – it must have been players who mentioned it – people call me ‘Kyks,’ and I turn around and see it’s someone I don’t even know.

I’m like, ‘Oh, what’s going on here?’ If you call me that, it means you know me personally. But now everyone is using it, so…”

The nickname’s popularity has left the footballer in an awkward position, as it blurs the line between personal and public spheres.

Despite his initial openness about the nickname, Mbappé now seems to regret the casual way it became a global phenomenon.

The TikTok video that sparked the surge in the nickname’s usage was a lighthearted moment meant to engage fans ahead of the World Cup.

However, its unintended consequence has been a lingering association that Mbappé himself finds difficult to embrace.

This revelation offers a rare glimpse into the personal side of one of the world’s most celebrated footballers, underscoring the complexities of fame and the unexpected ways public figures can lose control over their narratives.

For Mbappé, the rise of “Kyks” serves as a reminder of the fine line between personal affection and public perception.