Last Updated on October 20, 2026 by Candida Lucia
Malik Mustapha is an American professional football player who plays as a safety for the San Francisco 49ers in the National Football League (NFL). Born on June 25, 2002, in Charlotte, North Carolina, Mustapha has Nigerian family roots and developed into a talented defensive player during his college football career at Richmond and Wake Forest University.
Beyond his accomplishments on the field, Malik Mustapha’s family includes his mother, Dee Myles, his Nigerian father, and two younger siblings named Muhamahed and Mariam. His mother played an especially important role in helping him pursue football, while his father introduced him to soccer and encouraged his athletic development.
Mustapha has spoken openly about the importance of his younger brother and sister, who were living in Nigeria with their father when he discussed them in a 2024 interview. He considers his siblings an important motivation for building a successful NFL career.
Although several members of his family have been publicly identified, Mustapha has maintained privacy regarding his romantic relationships and whether he has children. Here is everything publicly known about Malik Mustapha’s girlfriend, children, parents, siblings and family background.
Malik Mustapha’s Girlfriend: Who Is He Dating?
As of now, Malik Mustapha has not publicly confirmed having a girlfriend. There is no reliable, widely documented information identifying a current romantic partner of the San Francisco 49ers safety.
Unlike some professional football players who frequently share details about their relationships through interviews and social media, Mustapha has kept his romantic life relatively private.
His official biographies from the San Francisco 49ers and Wake Forest University primarily focus on his athletic achievements, Nigerian heritage and close relationship with his parents and younger siblings.
In interviews about his personal life, Mustapha has discussed his childhood, family responsibilities and interests outside football, but he has not publicly identified a romantic partner through established sports reporting.
Therefore, his current relationship status remains unconfirmed.
Is Malik Mustapha Married?
As of now, there is no verified public information confirming that Malik Mustapha is married.
His official NFL biography does not identify a wife, and no established sports news organization has published a verified wedding announcement involving the defensive back.
There is also no reliable public confirmation of an engagement.
Consequently, it would be inaccurate to identify anyone as his wife without additional evidence.
Malik Mustapha’s Children: Does He Have Kids?
As of now, there are no publicly verified reports confirming that Malik Mustapha has children.
The San Francisco 49ers safety has not made a widely documented announcement about becoming a father.
His official NFL and college football biographies do not identify a son or daughter.
Although Mustapha has frequently discussed his responsibilities toward his younger siblings, those comments concern his relationship with his brother and sister rather than children of his own.
During an August 2024 interview with KTVU FOX 2, he explained that he wanted to build a successful future partly to help his younger siblings pursue educational opportunities in the United States.
Without reliable confirmation, claims about Mustapha having children would be speculative.
Who Are Malik Mustapha’s Parents?
Malik Mustapha’s mother is Dee Myles, while his father is originally from Nigeria.
His mother’s identity was confirmed by WSOC-TV in an April 2024 report about his journey toward the NFL Draft.
Although his father’s full name has not been reliably established in the public reporting reviewed, Mustapha has discussed his father’s Nigerian background and influence on his childhood.
Both parents contributed to his athletic development, although they initially encouraged him through different sports.
Malik Mustapha’s Mother: Dee Myles
Dee Myles is the mother of NFL safety Malik Mustapha and one of the most influential figures in his football career.
She played a major role in encouraging her son’s athletic ambitions while he was growing up in North Carolina.
In an April 25, 2024 interview with WSOC-TV, Dee explained that she had taken on numerous responsibilities during Malik’s development, acting not only as his mother but also as a coach, mentor and source of emotional support.
Her dedication became particularly important when Mustapha encountered difficulties attracting interest from major college football programs.
Despite his successful high school career, some recruiters questioned whether he had the physical size necessary to compete at the NCAA Division I level.
Rather than allowing those doubts to discourage him, Dee helped her son explore additional opportunities.
According to reporting by NBC Sports Bay Area, she completed recruiting questionnaires and contacted college programs to increase his visibility.
Her efforts eventually contributed to Mustapha receiving an opportunity to play at the University of Richmond.
After his first college season, Dee also encouraged him to consider transferring to a program that could offer greater opportunities.
He subsequently joined Wake Forest University, where he became one of the team’s most accomplished defensive players.
How Dee Myles Supported Her Son’s NFL Dream
Dee Myles remained actively involved in her son’s football development even after he entered college.
During a January 2026 appearance on the San Francisco 49ers’ You’ve Got Mail podcast, Mustapha explained that his mother continued studying football and reviewing opposing teams.
He recalled receiving messages from her containing video clips, observations and suggestions before games.
Her dedication demonstrated how seriously she followed her son’s professional career.
Interestingly, Dee was originally a passionate Dallas Cowboys supporter.
Mustapha grew up in a household where several relatives supported Dallas, but he chose to become a San Francisco 49ers fan instead.
After the 49ers selected him in the 2024 NFL Draft, his mother publicly celebrated the moment and announced her growing support for San Francisco.
By January 2026, Mustapha explained that Dee had embraced the 49ers so enthusiastically that she even displayed her support through personalized accessories and her vehicle.
Her journey from Cowboys supporter to 49ers fan became a memorable part of the family’s football story.
Malik Mustapha’s Father: His Nigerian Heritage
Malik Mustapha’s father is originally from Nigeria and played an important role in introducing his son to competitive sports.
Although his full name has not been independently verified through reliable public reporting, Mustapha has discussed their relationship in interviews with the San Francisco 49ers.
During the January 2026 episode of You’ve Got Mail, he explained that his father was particularly passionate about soccer.
Before Malik became interested in American football, his father introduced him to soccer and encouraged him to develop his technical abilities.
The two regularly practiced together at local fields in North Carolina.
Mustapha recalled that his father organized demanding training sessions involving cones, running drills and ball-control exercises.
Those sessions helped him develop discipline, footwork and the ability to respond quickly during athletic competition.
Although he eventually chose American football, Mustapha credits his father with establishing much of his early work ethic.
His father has also become increasingly interested in the NFL as his son’s professional career has progressed.
How Malik Mustapha’s Parents Influenced His Career
Mustapha’s parents helped shape different aspects of his athletic development.
His father emphasized soccer, physical conditioning and technical skills, while his mother became deeply involved in helping him succeed in American football.
During high school, Mustapha eventually had to choose between pursuing soccer and concentrating on football because competing in both sports became increasingly demanding.
He decided to focus on American football, a decision that ultimately led him to Wake Forest and the NFL.
Both parents supported him when San Francisco selected him in April 2024.
During his January 2026 podcast interview, Mustapha remembered his mother becoming emotional while his father prayed in gratitude after he received the draft-day phone call.
The moment represented the culmination of years of family encouragement and dedication.
Malik Mustapha’s Siblings: Does He Have Brothers or Sisters?
Malik Mustapha has two publicly confirmed younger siblings: a brother named Muhamahed and a sister named Mariam.
Their identities were documented in an August 17, 2024 report published by KTVU FOX 2.
At the time, both siblings were living in Nigeria with their father, while Malik was beginning his professional football career in California.
Mustapha explained that his brother and sister were among his greatest motivations to succeed.
1. Muhamahed – Malik Mustapha’s Younger Brother
Muhamahed is Malik Mustapha’s younger brother.
His name was reported by KTVU FOX 2 during an interview about Malik’s adjustment to professional football.
In August 2024, Muhamahed was approximately 12 years old and living in Nigeria with their father.
Despite the geographical distance separating them, the brothers maintained a meaningful connection.
According to the report, Muhamahed frequently searched for information about Malik online and showed his brother’s football achievements to friends.
Mustapha expressed pride in his younger brother’s enthusiasm and said that helping his siblings build successful futures was an important personal goal.
He hoped his NFL career would eventually allow him to help them pursue educational opportunities in the United States.
As of now, reliable recent reporting has not established whether Muhamahed has relocated or remains in Nigeria.
2. Mariam – Malik Mustapha’s Younger Sister
Mariam is Malik Mustapha’s younger sister and another important member of his family.
According to the August 2024 KTVU FOX 2 report, Mariam was approximately 10 years old at that time.
Like Muhamahed, she was living in Nigeria with their father.
Mustapha spoke affectionately about both younger siblings and explained that their arrival in his life had a significant emotional impact on him.
He described becoming more responsible because of the role he played in helping care for them.
Although he was considerably older than his brother and sister, he maintained that their relationship benefited him as much as it benefited them.
He also hoped to provide them with opportunities to finish their education and potentially attend college in the United States.
Further details about Mariam’s current education and personal life have not been extensively documented.
How Malik Mustapha’s Siblings Motivate His NFL Career
Mustapha’s relationship with his younger siblings became an important topic during his rookie NFL season.
In August 2024, he told KTVU that he wanted to build financial stability and establish a successful professional career partly because he hoped to support Muhamahed and Mariam.
The distance separating the siblings was challenging, particularly because they had not yet attended one of his NFL games in person at the time of the interview.
Mustapha explained that their support helped him maintain perspective while adjusting to life in California.
He also developed friendships with teammates who had families of their own.
Former 49ers safety Talanoa Hufanga invited Mustapha to his daughter’s birthday celebration, allowing the rookie to spend time in a family environment while living away from his relatives.
The experience reminded Mustapha of the importance of maintaining close relationships outside football.
Malik Mustapha’s Childhood and Family Background
Malik Mustapha was born on June 25, 2002, in Charlotte, North Carolina.
He grew up in a family with strong Nigerian connections through his father.
During his childhood, soccer was his first major sporting interest.
His father regularly trained with him, helping develop the coordination and athletic abilities that later became important in American football.
Mustapha began playing football at approximately nine years old and eventually developed a greater interest in the sport.
He also grew up surrounded by relatives who supported the Dallas Cowboys.
However, he decided to follow the San Francisco 49ers after discovering former running back Frank Gore while playing the Madden NFL video game.
His decision to support San Francisco became a family joke because he refused to follow the same team as most of his relatives.
Years later, that childhood preference became especially meaningful when the 49ers selected him in the NFL Draft.
Malik Mustapha’s High School and College Football Career
Mustapha attended Weddington High School in North Carolina, where he developed into one of the school’s most productive defensive players.
During his senior season in 2019, he recorded 68 tackles, five interceptions and 16 passes defended.
He helped Weddington finish the season with a perfect 16-0 record and win a state championship.
Despite his impressive performances, Mustapha received limited recruiting attention from major college football programs.
He eventually accepted an opportunity at the University of Richmond, where he began his college career in 2020.
After appearing in four games for Richmond during the spring 2021 season, he transferred to Wake Forest University.
At Wake Forest, Mustapha developed into a regular contributor and eventually became one of the team’s defensive leaders.
During the 2022 season, he recorded 58 tackles, eight tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks.
His final college season in 2023 was particularly successful.
He served as a team captain, started all 12 games and recorded 80 tackles according to the San Francisco 49ers’ official biography.
His performances earned Second-Team All-ACC recognition and helped establish him as a promising NFL prospect.
Malik Mustapha’s Journey to the San Francisco 49ers
Malik Mustapha entered the 2024 NFL Draft after completing his college football career at Wake Forest.
At the NFL Scouting Combine, he completed 22 repetitions in the bench press, the highest total among participating safeties.
His combination of speed, physical strength and aggressive tackling attracted the attention of NFL teams.
On April 27, 2024, the San Francisco 49ers selected him in the fourth round with the 124th overall pick.
The selection represented an emotional milestone for Mustapha and his family.
During the draft process, he had met with San Francisco’s coaching staff and former running back Frank Gore, whom he had admired since childhood.
His rookie NFL season included 16 regular-season appearances and his first professional interception against the Seattle Seahawks.
After dealing with a knee injury that affected the beginning of his 2025 season, Mustapha returned to contribute to the 49ers’ defense.
He continued his career with San Francisco in 2026, wearing jersey number 6.
Malik Mustapha’s Nigerian Heritage and Nickname
Mustapha proudly acknowledges his Nigerian family background.
He is widely known by the nickname “Nigerian Missile,” a reference to his heritage and aggressive playing style.
The nickname became popular during his college football career at Wake Forest.
Although he was born and raised in the United States, he has maintained an interest in Nigerian culture and sports.
He has particularly expressed support for Nigeria’s national soccer team during international tournaments.
His heritage has also influenced how he presents himself publicly as an athlete.
During his introductory 49ers press conference in April 2024, Mustapha discussed the meaning behind his surname and explained that his mother and uncle had helped create special clothing celebrating the Mustapha family name.
He described the project as a reflection of his identity and the values he wanted to represent.
Frequently Asked Questions About Malik Mustapha’s Family
Who is Malik Mustapha’s girlfriend?
As of now, Malik Mustapha has not publicly confirmed a girlfriend, and his current relationship status remains unverified.
Is Malik Mustapha married?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Malik Mustapha is married or has a wife.
Does Malik Mustapha have children?
As of now, there are no publicly verified reports confirming that Malik Mustapha has a son or daughter.
Who is Malik Mustapha’s mother?
His mother is Dee Myles, who played an important role in helping him pursue football and earn opportunities at the college and NFL levels.
Who is Malik Mustapha’s father?
Malik Mustapha’s father is originally from Nigeria and introduced him to soccer during childhood. His full name has not been reliably confirmed in established public sources.
How many siblings does Malik Mustapha have?
Malik Mustapha has two publicly confirmed younger siblings, Muhamahed and Mariam, who were living with their father in Nigeria in 2024.
Who is Malik Mustapha’s brother?
His younger brother is Muhamahed, who was approximately 12 years old in August 2024.
Who is Malik Mustapha’s sister?
His younger sister is Mariam, who was approximately 10 years old in August 2024.
Is Malik Mustapha Nigerian?
Malik Mustapha is American-born and has Nigerian heritage through his father. He proudly represents that background through his nickname, the Nigerian Missile.
How old is Malik Mustapha?
Malik Mustapha is 24 years old. He was born on June 25, 2002.
Which NFL team does Malik Mustapha play for?
Malik Mustapha plays safety for the San Francisco 49ers, who selected him in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Candida Lucia is a sports journalist and NBA writer specializing in tactical game analysis, player development, and league coverage. With an eye for on-court execution and team dynamics, she delivers detailed breakdowns of strategy, roster updates, and key performance trends. Passionate about bringing readers closer to the game, Candida offers engaging insights on every aspect of the NBA season, from regular-season battles to the Finals.
