Introduction
Kirill Kaprizov has rapidly become one of the most compelling figures in the world of professional ice hockey. As the electrifying star winger for the Minnesota Wild in the NHL, Kaprizov has captivated audiences with his unmatched speed, elite skill, and remarkable goal-scoring prowess. Known affectionately by fans as “Kirill the Thrill” and “Dollar Bill Kirill,” his on-ice magnetism is undeniable. Beyond his incredible performances, however, fans and media alike are increasingly intrigued by his personal life, especially his relationship status.
For a considerable time, Kirill has skillfully kept his private affairs out of the media spotlight, leading to a growing wave of speculation and curiosity surrounding who he might be dating. The name most frequently linked to him in this context is Stesha Malikova, a prominent Russian influencer, model, and singer. So, who exactly is Stesha Malikova, and is she indeed Kirill Kaprizov’s girlfriend? This article will look at their rumored connection, discuss the available information, and clarify the nature of these persistent whispers.
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Kirill Kaprizov: A Meteoric Rise in Hockey
Before diving into the specifics of his personal life, it’s essential to appreciate the remarkable career trajectory of Kirill Olegovich Kaprizov. Born on April 26, 1997, in Novokuznetsk, Russia, Kaprizov began his hockey journey at a tender age. He quickly ascended through the ranks, showcasing his innate talent in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), playing for teams like Metallurg Novokuznetsk, Salavat Yulaev Ufa, and CSKA Moscow. His sharp instincts and prolific scoring ability consistently impressed fans and scouts.
Drafted 135th overall by the Minnesota Wild in the 2015 NHL Draft, Kaprizov didn’t immediately transition to North America. Instead, he continued his development in Russia, achieving international acclaim for his game-winning goal in the gold medal match of the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang. This iconic moment solidified his reputation as one of hockey’s most promising young talents. Upon making his highly anticipated NHL debut in 2021, he instantly made an impact, scoring the winning goal in his very first game. That same year, he was deservingly awarded the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s top rookie, becoming the first Wild player to win the prestigious award. Today, Kaprizov is not merely a cornerstone player for the Wild but also a globally recognized ambassador for Russian ice hockey, a testament to his unwavering focus on his professional career.
Kaprizov’s Mysterious Personal Life: The “Girlfriend” Question
Despite his soaring fame, Kirill Kaprizov is renowned for his intensely private nature when it comes to his personal life. Unlike many modern athletes who readily share glimpses of their relationships on social media, Kirill has consciously kept this aspect of his life under wraps.
During a past interview, he reportedly offered a shy, vague admission of dating “a Russian girl” without divulging any further details. This elusive comment only intensified public curiosity. Soon after, observant fans and tabloids began piecing together clues, especially when Kirill was seen in similar locations and at the same events as a certain major player in Russian pop culture—Stesha Malikova.
Who is Stesha Malikova? Background and Public Persona
Born Stefania Dmitrievna Malikova on February 7, 2000, Stesha Malikova is no stranger to the spotlight herself. She is the daughter of Dmitry Malikov, a celebrated Russian musician, composer, and television presenter. Her family boasts a deep musical heritage, with her grandfather serving as the head soloist of VIA “Gems” and her grandmother being a former soloist in the same ensemble. Being born into such a distinguished celebrity family, Stesha has always been under the watchful eye of the public and the media.
Stesha is a multi-talented individual with a diverse public profile. From a young age, she reportedly engaged in various activities, from ballroom dancing to French lessons, with a childhood dream of becoming a TV presenter. She embarked on her career in the entertainment industry as a singer, releasing songs and music videos during her teenage years. Her musical talent was recognized when she won the 20th Russian Radio Awards in 2015 for a duet with Yuri Kiselev. Over time, she expanded her career into modeling and established herself as a significant social media influencer. Today, she boasts over 600,000 followers on Instagram and frequently collaborates with high-end fashion brands. She is also a successful entrepreneur, having launched her fashion label, “Dress by Stesha.”
Beyond her artistic and entrepreneurial pursuits, Stesha is also highly educated. She graduated from MGIMO University (Moscow State Institute of International Relations), one of Russia’s most prestigious universities, with a degree in journalism. Her refined image, elegant style, and sharp intellect have collectively positioned her as one of Russia’s most admired young women today. She holds Russian nationality, though her ethnicity and religion have not been publicly disclosed. Her estimated net worth, as of reports in 2024, is approximately $335.7k, attributed to her various professional endeavors and hard work. While specific physical attributes can be subject to change, she has been reported in the past to stand around 5’6″ and weigh approximately 130 pounds.
The Connection Between Kirill Kaprizov and Stesha Malikova: Disentangling Fact from Speculation
So, how exactly did these two high-profile individuals become linked romantically in the public’s mind?
The rumors connecting Stesha Malikova and Kirill Kaprizov first gained significant traction in 2021. Observant fans noticed that both individuals posted pictures from what appeared to be the same location in the Altai Mountains in Russia around the same time. Although they did not appear in each other’s photos, the striking similarities in background scenery fueled initial speculation.
Adding another layer to the narrative, some reports claim that Kirill Kaprizov met Stesha Malikova at a mutual friend’s party in Moscow. According to this account, they were introduced by their friend, “hit it off immediately,” exchanged numbers, and began dating shortly after, reportedly sharing a “beautiful chemistry.”
Later that same year, they were reportedly sighted together in Moscow, frequenting places like Bolshaya Nikitskaya Street and even The Ritz-Carlton near Red Square. Paparazzi photos and eyewitness reports circulated, suggesting they were spending time together, potentially on romantic outings.
The rumors further intensified in 2023 when the alleged couple was reportedly seen vacationing in Italy and Turkey. Again, while the photos were not explicitly romantic, the coordinated timing and shared settings were considered by many to be more than mere coincidence. Furthermore, reports of Stesha attending several of Kaprizov’s hockey games in Europe fueled further speculation.
Adding a degree of “semi-official” credibility to the rumors, Stesha’s father, Dmitry Malikov, was questioned about their relationship during an interview. He notably did not deny a connection, instead stating they were “friends who see each other frequently.” While certainly vague, this marked the first public acknowledgment of any kind of association from someone close to the alleged couple.
Are They Really Dating? Analyzing the Evidence
Despite all the circumstantial evidence and specific claims regarding their meeting, it is crucial to state that neither Kirill Kaprizov nor Stesha Malikova has ever officially confirmed their relationship publicly. Both individuals prefer to keep their personal lives out of public discussion. There have been no joint photos, no direct tagged posts on social media, and no explicit public statements from either party confirming a romantic involvement.
However, the indirect evidence pointing toward a relationship is undeniably substantial:
- Shared travel destinations at identical times.
- There have been multiple public sightings of the pair together in various locations in Russia and Europe.
- Stesha has been reported to attend Kirill’s hockey games.
- Stesha’s father has indirectly acknowledged their relationship.
- Kaprizov made vague comments about dating a girl from Russia.
- There are specific assertions that they met through a mutual friend and swiftly began their relationship.
In the complex realm of celebrity relationships, especially in Russia, fans often receive only these subtle confirmations until a significant announcement, such as an engagement or wedding, is made.
Is Kirill Kaprizov Married? Do They Have Kids?
As of now, Kirill Kaprizov is not married. Searches for “Kirill Kaprizov wife” yield no credible results in public records or media reports, and there is no public indication of a wedding or engagement having taken place. It is safe to conclude that while he may well be in a private relationship, he has not yet entered into matrimony. Furthermore, according to available information, Kirill and Stesha do not have any children together. The rumors regarding Kaprizov’s girlfriend, while unconfirmed directly, suggest Stesha Malikova remains the most probable candidate based on the totality of available circumstantial information and specific reported claims.
Public Reaction to the Rumors
The public reaction from fans and the media has been a blend of excitement and intense curiosity. Many passionate Minnesota Wild fans took to platforms like Reddit and Twitter to discuss the potential relationship, with reactions ranging from supportive well-wishes to good-natured, joking jealousy.
Media outlets, particularly within Russia, have covered the story extensively. Lifestyle magazines and celebrity gossip websites frequently feature speculative headlines such as “Kaprizov’s girlfriend” or “Stesha Malikova dating a hockey star,” reflecting the high level of public interest.
For the most part, the general public appears supportive of the idea of the two being together, as both are successful, seemingly grounded individuals who are respected in their respective fields.
Final Thoughts: Respecting Privacy Amidst Public Interest
In conclusion, while there is no official statement definitively confirming that Stesha Malikova is Kirill Kaprizov’s girlfriend, a significant amount of indirect evidence and specific reported claims strongly suggest a romantic connection. From shared vacations and public appearances to subtle acknowledgments by family members and accounts of how they might have met, the various puzzle pieces consistently point in one direction.
At the same time, it is evident that both Kaprizov and Malikova deeply value their privacy and have consciously chosen to keep their personal lives away from the intense public scrutiny that often accompanies their level of fame. Until they choose to officially confirm or deny their relationship status, everything remains within the realm of informed speculation. For now, it seems Kaprizov’s “thrill” for fans will continue to be primarily delivered on the ice.
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