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Ah, Younes Bendjima, now there’s a name that clicks when you talk about modeling and boxing, a mix not so common, don’t you think? Born on May 5, 1993, in Lyon, this Franco-Algerian has a somewhat crazy journey that grabs you right away, especially when you know he grew up in a family restaurant before walking the biggest runways.
I admit his story intrigued me from the start. Boxing first, a true passion that shapes his body and character, then modeling that almost naturally took over after he was discovered in 2011. A young guy who throws his life into a new world, that’s the kind of story that makes you want to know more.
His imposing height and Mediterranean charm opened the doors to the most prestigious brands. And yet, even with this success, he keeps a discreet, almost mysterious side, especially regarding his love life. You may have heard about his stories with celebrities, right, like Kourtney Kardashian?
All this, his age, his steadily growing fortune, his involvement with StudioFY7, it’s exactly the sort of profile that makes me want to follow this guy closely. So, let’s dig a bit into the details of his life, it’s worth it.
Younes Bendjima: a Franco-Algerian between boxing and international fashion
Younes didn’t wake up one morning thinking he would become a model. No, he’s a pure Lyonnais of Algerian origin, son of a restaurant owner where he worked before dropping everything for New York and modeling. Imagine a bit, he arrived in the United States at only 17 years old, alone, nervous but with determination full of heart.
As a child, he tried boxing thanks to his uncle, who is still his coach today. This sport taught him discipline and helped sculpt that figure agencies have been fighting over since 2011. Quickly, he racks up contracts, from Givenchy to Ralph Lauren, including Calvin Klein. Height and charisma clearly help, but he’s a real workhorse, you can feel it.
A path paved with prestigious contracts and notable entrepreneurial success
I tell you, he’s not just a pretty face on the runway. Younes quickly understood that modeling is beautiful but fragile. So, he started a luxury concierge company at 22. Yes, you read that right, not just posing but also managing private jets, dream villas, nothing less.
On the side, he invests in restaurants in Lyon and plants a foot in Los Angeles with a franchise of La Tarte Tropézienne. A secret weapon to secure his fortune, which is around 1.5 million dollars, not bad for someone just in his thirties. That’s the real vision of a young man who doesn’t want to blow up and then vanish.
But it’s not just that. In 2019, he created StudioFY7, his creative agency, where he invests himself in both artistic and social projects, with collaborations with New Balance and even fights to support Palestine and Yemen. Honestly, that’s different from your average model, right?
Private life: between discretion and passion, the romance with Kourtney Kardashian
I admit I was surprised to discover how discreet he remains about his personal side. We mostly know him because he dated Kourtney Kardashian from 2016 to 2018. This story brought some light on him, but also on his will to preserve his intimate life away from the flashes.
Before that, a noted time with English model Jourdan Dunn. So yes, his height and physique attract, but he’s not just a “name beside” stars, he holds the helm all by himself. Today, he’s back in Paris, far from American glitter, to be closer to his family, especially his mother, a choice that says a lot.
Anecdotes and secrets: from boxing to fashion, an unusual path
A little anecdote that stuck with me is his start in boxing at 11 simply because he was bursting with energy but also because he didn’t have much means for anything else. He’s a guy who turned every opportunity into success with crazy determination.
His move from the ring to the runway wasn’t easy, with visa stress and fear of the sport’s dangers. Meeting an agent changed everything, and you know what? He could have kept boxing, but he chose to bet on his height, his face, his endurance on the catwalk rather than in the ring.
Recent projects and collaborations making noise in 2026
In 2026, Younes continues to make headlines between the runways and his projects. His company FY7 releases collections inspired by Algerian architectures, a nod to his roots. His collaboration with Mustafa the Poet and even A$AP Rocky is no coincidence; it’s a real bridge between art, culture, and business.
He also dreams of opening a hair salon, proof that his creativity doesn’t stop at the runways. The man has this ability to anticipate, to invest in various sectors. His fortune, even if kept discreet, keeps growing thanks to this versatility, a bit like an athlete multiplying his won matches.
Between his life in Paris and his travels, he also continues to support causes close to his heart like in Palestine. In short, this gifted young man makes more than one jealous in the fashion world and beyond.
- 💼 International model signed with Next Models and other agencies in 5 global cities
- 🥊 Passionate about boxing since childhood, trained by his uncle
- 🍰 Entrepreneur in hospitality and luxury concierge
- 🎨 Founder of StudioFY7, engaged in cultural and social actions
- ❤️ Public relationship with Kourtney Kardashian between 2016 and 2018
If you want to know more, feel free to take a look at Voici.fr or discover his gallery and career on Models.com.
I love the fact that he returned to live in Paris, focusing on his family; you feel that behind the fortune and success, there is a simple guy, attached to his roots. You have to say that at 1.85 m, he doesn’t go unnoticed.
What’s crazy is this ability to evolve, to never remain just a simple model. Younes Bendjima is a mix of culture, sport, business, and creativity, and that’s precious to last in this fleeting world.
So, if you’re curious, go check out his Instagram account; that’s where you’ll see a bit of the man behind the job, the guy who managed his career, his height, and stayed cool-headed in this crazy universe.
