Jirès Kembo Ekoko is a retired professional footballer who played as a striker. His father, Kembo Uba Kembo, also had a successful football career and played for the Zaire national team at the 1974 FIFA World Cup.
Although born in Zaire, Kembo Ekoko has represented France at youth level. He is renowned for his speed and technical ability on the field, and has played for various clubs in France, Türkiye and the United Arab Emirates. After retiring from football, he pursued a career as a football representative.
File
- Full name: Jirès Kembo Ekoko
- Stage name: Jirès Kembo Ekoko
- Date of birth: January 8, 1988
- Age: 36 years old
- Place of birth: Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
- Nationality: Congolese
- Occupation: Former football player
- Height: 1.78m
- Parent: Kembo Uba Kembo
- Siblings: Ethan Mbappé and Kylian Mbappé
- Spouse: Unknown
- Children: Unknown
- Relationship: Unknown
- Net worth: $1 million to $5 million
Early life and education
Jirès Kembo Ekoko is a professional football player born on January 8, 1988 in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. He was born in Kembo Uba Kembo and grew up with two siblings, Ethan Mbappé and Kylian Mbappé.
Although not much is known about his educational background, it is known that he is of Congolese ethnicity and his religion is unknown.
Career
Kembo Ekoko’s early start in football proved to be a pivotal moment in his career. At just 9 years old, he showed his talent and was quickly sought after by many different clubs. He began his youth career with AS Bondy in France and it wasn’t long before he caught the eye of the prestigious Clairefontaine academy.
Three years at the academy helped him develop his skills and paved the way for him to join Stade Rennais. It was here that he truly impressed with his technical abilities and earned the nickname “Kembinho”. After a successful time in the youth team, he signed his first professional contract with Rennes.
Despite representing France for the first time at international youth level, Kembo Ekoko never had the opportunity to play for France or the DRC at a senior level.
After his last filming with Bursaspor in the Turkish Süper Lig during the 2018/2019 season, it appeared that Kembo Ekoko retired from professional football soon after. It is unclear what led to his retirement or whether he is still involved in the sport in any capacity.
Awards and nominations
- Club titles:
- UAE Professional League:
- Champion: 2012–13, 2014–15 (with Al Ain FC)
- UAE Super Cup:
- Winner: 2013 (with Al Ain FC)
- Individual awards:
- UAE Pro League Golden Boot:
- Champion: 2012–13 (with 24 goals)
- Coupe de la Ligue (France):
- Runner-up: 2007 (with Stade Rennais)
- International career:
- U-20 World Cup:
- Participation: 2007 (with Democratic Republic of Congo)
- Additional notes:
- Kembo Ekoko has represented the Democratic Republic of Congo at international level, making 32 appearances and scoring 13 goals.
Social Media
- Instagram handle: @jires_kembo
Personal life
Although Kembo Ekoko’s professional football career is widely known, he still keeps his personal life private and does not reveal any information about his relationships with the media.
Therefore, there is no public information about who he may have dated during his playing days or after his retirement.
Net worth
Kembo Ekoko is a retired professional soccer player who achieved a net worth of approximately $1 million to $5 million. His main source of income is his successful football career.
