
HE made his full England debut against Belgium at Wembley tonight and looked right at home – paving the way for selection at this summer’s Euros.
But The Sun can reveal that away from the floodlights of the national stadium, 18-year-old Kobbie Mainoo leads a humble, quiet life, just like any average teenager.
Locals told how the Manchester United midfielder loves eating out at Nando’s and still lives with his dad Felix in a modest £370,000 semi – in a street where some neighbours have no idea who he is.
In fact, the only sign of any of the perks of Kobbie’s £20,000-a-week job is an £80,000 BMW X4 – given to him by United – along with a Mercedes A-Class which takes pride of place on the drive.
Kobbie is the most talked-about young player in English football right now, with accomplished performances beyond his years culminating in a late call-up to Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions squad last week.
Those who know Kobbie say he is a down-to-earth lad who “takes everything in his stride”.
His first coach, Steve Vare, who mentored him as a four-year-old at Cheadle And Gatley FC, told us: “He came from a lovely family – I used to have regular chats with his dad.
“I do know Kobbie is still in contact with his old school friends – he hasn’t lost sight of the fact he is very grounded.
“That is probably down to him coming from a loving, very stable family.”
Kobbie’s parents Felix and Abena Herold – who are Ghanaian immigrants – are separated but he splits his time between their homes, which are within 30 minutes of each other.
At Felix’s house in Sale, some locals do not even know who Kobbie is.
The family moved into the rented three-bedroom home around four or five years ago and Kobbie keeps himself to himself, with one neighbour saying: “I’ve got no idea who he is.”
Others talk proudly about having an England star in their midst, with another saying of the young star: “I remember him going to and coming home from school in his uniform.
“He was always a very smiley young boy.
“I say hello to Felix when I see him.
“They’re a nice family.”
A third neighbour, who is a friend of the family, added: “I’ve known Kobbie and his dad for years.
“Kobbie is a really nice boy from a really nice family – and he’s a really good footballer.
“He’s going to be a star.”
Kobbie is powered by grub from Nando’s – one of his favourite treats.
He was recently spotted collecting a bag of food from his local branch in Altrincham, where he fist-bumped a member of staff who is a huge Manchester United fan.
One onlooker said: “Kobbie came in on his own with his hood up, but he got recognised straight away.
“He was a lovely lad and fist-bumped a member of staff.
“He seemed really nice and down to earth.”
There was a time, before he became a United first team regular, that Kobbie was not even the most famous person in his own family.
His older half-brother Jordan Mainoo-Hames, 29 – Felix’s son from another relationship – appeared on season five of ITV2 dating show Love Island, spending 38 days in the villa. – The Sun