Key keywords: Kylian Mbappe, Ester Exposito, FIFA World Cup, Spanish actress, Annual Spanish Film & Television Breakthrough Award, celebrity couple, Paris Saint-Germain, red carpet celebration, Elite series, global entertainment industry As the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying rounds heat up and football fans around the world fix their eyes on top players including French national team captain Kylian Mbappe, his girlfriend, Spanish actress Ester Exposito, made headlines this week for celebrating a landmark win in her own career. The 24-year-old star, best known for her breakout role as Carla Rosón in the hit Netflix series *Elite*, took home the Annual Spanish Film & Television Breakthrough Award at a star-studded ceremony held in Madrid on Thursday night. Mbappe, who is currently in pre-tournament training with the French national squad in preparation for upcoming World Cup qualifying matches, was unable to attend the ceremony in person, but made sure his support for Exposito was known. The PSG forward sent a custom 100-rose bouquet to the venue, along with a handwritten note that read, "I'm so proud of everything you've worked for. I'm cheering for you as loud as you cheer for me on the pitch." Exposito mentioned the gesture during her acceptance speech, tearing up as she thanked her family, her team, and "my favorite person, who is off chasing his own dream of bringing another World Cup home to France right now, but still never misses a single important moment of mine." Exposito's career has skyrocketed over the past five years, with leading roles in multiple Spanish and international film projects, brand ambassador deals with luxury houses including Dior and Cartier, and a massive global social media following of over 40 million on Instagram alone. Photos she shared after the ceremony, showing her holding her award next to Mbappe's flower arrangement, racked up more than 15 million likes in less than 12 hours, with fans from both the football and entertainment worlds flooding the comments with congratulations. Industry insiders note that the dual attention on Mbappe's World Cup run and Exposito's career milestone highlights the growing crossover between sports and entertainment fandom, with audiences showing increased interest in the personal and professional lives of high-profile couples who balance separate, successful careers. Neither Exposito nor Mbappe have shared details about when they will next be seen together publicly, but sources close to the couple confirm Exposito plans to attend the World Cup knockout rounds to support Mbappe if France qualifies as expected.