Kirill Kaprizov is currently dating Stesha Malikova, a prominent Russian model, influencer, and the daughter of renowned singer-composer Dmitry Malikov. The Minnesota Wild superstar and the fashion entrepreneur have been linked since 2021, though both maintain a notoriously private stance regarding their personal lives.
The contrast between Kaprizov’s dominant, highly visible presence on the ice and his guarded off-ice persona has only fueled public curiosity. Following his historic eight-year, $136 million contract extension with the Minnesota Wild, fans are increasingly interested in the support system behind the franchise’s most valuable player. While his professional achievements are broadcast nightly, his relationship with Malikova remains largely out of the spotlight.
Who Is Stesha Malikova?
Stesha Malikova is a 26-year-old Russian model, fashion designer, and social media influencer born in February 2000. She comes from a deeply rooted musical dynasty in Russia, balancing her family’s artistic legacy with her own entrepreneurial pursuits in the fashion industry.
Her father, Dmitry Malikov, is a highly celebrated singer and composer in Russia. The musical pedigree extends further back; her grandfather served as the head soloist of the vocal-instrumental ensemble “Gems,” while her grandmother was also a former soloist for the group. Additionally, her aunt Inna Malikova is a recognized singer, actress, and television presenter. Despite this overwhelming musical background, Stesha carved her own path, though she did briefly step into the music world to win the 20th Russian Radio Award in 2015 for a duet performed with Yuri Kiselev.
Academically, Malikova graduated from the elite Zhukovka school in 2017. She subsequently earned a position at the prestigious Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO), where she pursued a degree in journalism. According to MGIMO (2023), the institution remains one of the most competitive universities in Eastern Europe. Beyond her education, she launched her own fashion brand, operating under the Instagram handle @dressbystesha, which caters to a modern, style-conscious demographic.
Her primary platform remains Instagram, where she commands an audience of over 740,000 followers under the handle @steshamalikova. Through this channel, she shares high-end fashion photography, travel experiences, and glimpses into her daily life, though she deliberately excludes details about her romantic relationship with the NHL star.
Kirill Kaprizov and Stesha Malikova: Their Relationship Timeline
Kirill Kaprizov and Stesha Malikova were first linked in 2021, with their relationship characterized by rare public sightings and a strict mutual agreement to keep their romance off social media. They have navigated the complexities of a high-profile international relationship by maintaining absolute silence in the press.
The initial rumors surfaced during a Russian podcast in June 2021, where Kaprizov’s life in the United States and his new girlfriend were briefly discussed. By the summer of 2022 and into 2023, the couple was spotted vacationing together in the Altai Territory, a picturesque mountainous region in Russia. These sightings provided the first concrete evidence that the two were romantically involved.
Their most notable public appearance occurred in late 2023. Kaprizov and Malikova were photographed attending a New York Jets NFL game alongside fellow Russian NHL star Igor Shesterkin and his partner. This double date in New York City solidified their status as a couple in the eyes of North American sports media. Throughout 2024, multiple sports outlets, including The Times of India and Sportskeeda, formally reported on their relationship status.
Despite these appearances, their digital footprint tells a different story. Kaprizov’s Instagram account (@kirillkaprizov) is strictly dedicated to hockey highlights, his teammates, and his dog. Malikova’s feed is similarly curated for her professional brand. This deliberate separation of public and private life has allowed them to control their narrative in an era of intense media scrutiny.
Are Kirill Kaprizov and Stesha Malikova Still Together?
As of early 2026, the exact status of Kirill Kaprizov and Stesha Malikova’s relationship remains unconfirmed, with conflicting reports circulating between established sports media and Russian gossip channels. Neither party has issued a public statement regarding a potential split or continued romance.
In late 2025, rumors began circulating on Russian YouTube channels and social media platforms suggesting that Malikova had broken up with the NHL’s highest-paid player. These unverified reports claimed that the geographical distance and the demands of Kaprizov’s grueling NHL schedule had strained the relationship. However, mainstream sports journalism outlets continued to list Malikova as Kaprizov’s current girlfriend through October 2025.
The timing of these rumors coincided with Kaprizov signing his monumental eight-year contract extension with the Minnesota Wild. This commitment anchors him to Saint Paul, Minnesota, through the prime of his career. Meanwhile, Malikova continues to build her fashion brand and influencer presence primarily based in Russia. The logistical challenges of maintaining a transcontinental relationship are evident, but without direct confirmation, their breakup remains speculative.
Fans monitoring their social media accounts will find no clues. Because they never posted photos together during the confirmed years of their relationship, the absence of couple photos now cannot be interpreted as evidence of a breakup. Until Kaprizov or Malikova chooses to address the situation publicly, their relationship status remains a private matter.
Kirill Kaprizov: The NHL Star Behind the Headlines
Kirill Kaprizov is a Russian professional ice hockey winger and the alternate captain for the Minnesota Wild, widely regarded as one of the most dynamic offensive talents in the National Hockey League. His journey from Novokuznetsk to NHL superstardom is defined by record-breaking performances and franchise-altering impact.
Born on June 26, 1997, Kaprizov was drafted 135th overall by the Minnesota Wild in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. Before transitioning to North America, he built a formidable resume in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) and secured a gold medal for the Olympic Athletes from Russia at the 2018 Winter Olympics. He finally made his highly anticipated NHL debut in 2021, immediately making history as the first player to score an overtime goal and record three points in his first game.
His rookie campaign earned him the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s Rookie of the Year. He quickly followed this by becoming the first player in Minnesota Wild history to record 100 points in a single season during the 2021-2022 campaign. According to the NHL (2024), Kaprizov reached the 200-point milestone in fewer games than almost any active player in the league.
In late 2025, the Minnesota Wild secured their franchise cornerstone by signing Kaprizov to an eight-year, $136 million contract extension. This landmark deal made him the highest-paid player in the league by average annual value, cementing his legacy in Saint Paul and ensuring his focus remains entirely on bringing a Stanley Cup to Minnesota.
| Category | Kirill Kaprizov | Stesha Malikova |
|---|---|---|
| Born | June 26, 1997 (age 28) | February 2000 (age 26) |
| Nationality | Russian | Russian |
| Profession | NHL Winger, Minnesota Wild | Model, Influencer, Fashion Designer |
| Notable Achievement | Calder Trophy 2021; $136M contract | 2015 Russian Radio Award |
| Social Media | @kirillkaprizov (379K followers) | @steshamalikova (740K+ followers) |
| Education | Hockey Academy, Novokuznetsk | MGIMO, Journalism |
Stesha Malikova’s Career and Net Worth
Stesha Malikova has built a lucrative career as a fashion model, designer, and social media influencer, leveraging her prominent family background into independent commercial success. Her professional portfolio spans multiple industries within the Russian entertainment and fashion sectors.
As a model, she has graced the covers of various Russian lifestyle and fashion magazines. She transitioned from modeling into entrepreneurship by launching her own clothing line, which she promotes heavily through her dedicated business Instagram account. Her journalism education from MGIMO has also equipped her with the media literacy required to navigate the modern influencer economy effectively.
While her exact net worth remains private, industry estimates suggest she earns approximately $335,000 annually through her modeling contracts, brand endorsements, and clothing sales. This financial independence, combined with her family’s established wealth, positions her as a highly successful young entrepreneur in her own right.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Kirill Kaprizov get married?
No, Kirill Kaprizov is not married. While he has been in a long-term relationship with Stesha Malikova, there are no public records or confirmations of a marriage between the two.
How old is Stesha Malikova?
Stesha Malikova is 26 years old. She was born in February 2000 in Russia to singer Dmitry Malikov and his wife Elena.
What is Stesha Malikova’s Instagram?
Stesha Malikova’s official Instagram handle is @steshamalikova. She currently has over 740,000 followers and uses the platform to share her modeling work and fashion brand.
Does Kirill Kaprizov have children?
No, Kirill Kaprizov does not have any biological children. However, he is the godfather to Kirill Nesterov, the son of his former teammate Nikita Nesterov.
What is Kirill Kaprizov’s nickname?
Kirill Kaprizov is affectionately known as “Kappy” by his teammates and fans. He is also sometimes referred to as “Dollar Bill Kirill” due to his lucrative contract extensions.
Conclusion
The relationship between Kirill Kaprizov and Stesha Malikova represents a fascinating intersection of international sports and Russian pop culture. While Malikova continues to expand her influence in the fashion industry, Kaprizov remains laser-focused on his historic tenure with the Minnesota Wild. Their mutual dedication to privacy has successfully shielded their personal lives from the relentless scrutiny that typically accompanies a $136 million athlete and a high-profile influencer. Whether they are quietly continuing their romance or have privately parted ways, both individuals are currently thriving at the absolute pinnacle of their respective professions.
