Eintracht Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitiké has shared an insightful explanation for running two Instagram accounts, emphasizing the need to separate his professional football persona from his authentic personal emotions. The 22-year-old French striker, who joined Frankfurt on a permanent deal from Paris Saint-Germain in summer 2025 after a successful loan spell, revealed the reasoning in a candid interview that has resonated widely among fans and fellow athletes.

Ekitiké’s main account (@hugoekitike) serves as the polished, football-focused profile typical of professional players—highlighting matches, training sessions, goals, and brand partnerships. His secondary account (@heesheki), however, offers a more unfiltered glimpse into his personality, moods, and interests. “The first time I saw this was from an NBA player. For me, it was pretty cool. I thought I could do it even better,” he explained.

The inspiration came from observing how basketball stars manage public image versus private expression. Ekitiké views the dual setup as essential for preserving authenticity in an industry often criticized for its “industrial” content. “For me, it’s personal, so people can’t judge what I do. I feel like on the main account, you can’t really show your true self,” he said. “Every time I go on that account, I know I’ll only post football-related stuff—I can’t show people if I’m happy or sad.”

In contrast, the private account allows vulnerability: “I prefer the second one (heesheki) because that’s my real emotions. I can tell people how I’m feeling, what I like. That’s what people need because they usually only see very industrial posts from players. I’m a human too. Just to show that I’m like you guys. I think a lot of people should do it.”

Surprisingly, Ekitiké admitted the creative process for the secondary account demands more effort than expected—particularly in curating music. “Actually, I think I spend more time choosing the song than choosing the photo. I think it’s the music that takes me the most time to post.”

This approach has earned praise for humanizing a rising star often under scrutiny. Ekitiké’s journey includes early promise at Reims, where he scored 10 goals in Ligue 1 as a teenager, a €35 million move to PSG in 2022 that yielded limited playing time (one goal in 32 appearances), and a revival at Frankfurt with 12 goals across all competitions in 2024-25. His pace, physicality, and finishing have drawn comparisons to elite forwards, with Frankfurt securing him permanently amid interest from Premier League clubs.

Off the pitch, Ekitiké maintains a low-key lifestyle, focusing on family and personal growth. The dual accounts reflect a generational shift among young athletes prioritizing mental health and relatability over curated perfection. Fans appreciate glimpses into his tastes—playlists blending rap, Afrobeat, and R&B—revealing a thoughtful side beyond headlines.

Teammates and coaches note his professionalism, with Frankfurt’s sporting director Markus Krösche praising his adaptation. Internationally, Ekitiké has represented France at youth levels, positioning himself for senior call-ups.

The interview highlights broader conversations in football about social media pressures. Many players face criticism for perceived extravagance or detachment, prompting some—like NBA influences—to adopt finstas (fake Instagrams) for genuine connection.

Ekitiké’s transparency sets an example: embracing duality to remain grounded amid fame. As he continues impressing in the Bundesliga, the accounts offer fans two windows—one into a talented athlete, the other into a young man navigating life authentically.

In an era of highlight reels, his message resonates: vulnerability strengthens, not weakens, public figures.