Ester Expósito and Kylian Mbappé share romantic Ibiza getaway before the 2026 World Cup

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup gets underway, French soccer star Kylian Mbappé appears to have enjoyed one last Mediterranean escape before joining France's campaign for the title of World Champion. The Real Madrid striker was recently photographed in Ibiza alongside Spanish actress Ester Expósito, fueling rumors that the two are romantically involved. Neither has publicly confirmed their relationship. 

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The photos, taken during a trip to Ibiza that took place in May and were published this month, show the pair enjoying their time together aboard a luxury yacht. The images capture a relaxed and affectionate dynamic, with Mbappé and Expósito lounging in the sun, sharing kisses, and spending some time on the water. 

Photographers spotted the pair riding jet skis through the Mediterranean. Mbappé took the driver's seat while Expósito held on to his waist, with both appearing to be laughing and enjoying themselves. They were later seen paddleboarding together, with Expósito falling into the water and laughing off the mishap. 

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For the day at sea, Expósito wore an orange bikini, while Mbappé opted for colorful swim trunks. The couple was later photographed walking along the beach barefoot, carrying their flip-flops as they headed to a restaurant to grab lunch by the water.

Expósito completed her beach look with a green cover-up dress and sunglasses. Mbappé changed into a sleeveless black top, black shorts, a cap, and some sunglasses, hoping to remain incognito. 

The couple's much-discussed Sardinia trip

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The Ibiza getaway comes just weeks after Mbappé and Expósito were photographed together in Sardinia, Italy, where they stayed at a luxury hotel. During that trip, the pair were seen aboard a yacht and spending time together while the Real Madrid star recovered from a hamstring injury. 

The vacation drew criticism from some Real Madrid supporters, who questioned the timing of the trip given Mbappé's injury status and the club's difficult end to the season. 

His representatives later defended the trip, saying his rehabilitation was being closely monitored by Real Madrid's medical staff and insisting that his commitment to the team had never wavered. "Part of the criticism is based on an overinterpretation of elements related to a recovery period strictly supervised by the club, without reflecting the reality of Kylian's commitment and the work he puts in every day for the team," said a statement made by his representatives to the Associated Press. 

Alvaro Arbeloa, Real Madrid's head coach, also made a statement. "In his free time, Mbappe can do whatever he wants, I don’t get involved," he said. 

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