Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappé has spoken about his enduring connection with Africa as he targets the Ballon d’Or, saying he hopes to dedicate the prestigious award to the continent if he wins it….
Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappé has spoken about his enduring connection with Africa as he targets the Ballon d’Or, saying he hopes to dedicate the prestigious award to the continent if he wins it.
Mbappé, whose father, Wilfried, is from Cameroon and whose mother, Fayza Lamari, has Algerian roots, said his African heritage remains an important part of his identity.
“I have never lost the connection with my roots and my origins. Every time I go to Africa, I feel the love from the people,” Mbappé said, according to football journalist Fabrizio Romano.
The France captain added: “I’ve always felt very loved on the African continent. I hope I can leave with the Ballon d’Or and, in one way or another, dedicate it to them too.”
His remarks come as attention builds around the 2026 Ballon d’Or, with Mbappé among the 30 nominees for this year’s award.
The forward has previously spoken about the importance of his African heritage and has been involved in initiatives aimed at supporting sport on the continent.
His latest comments have, however, prompted debate online, with some fans interpreting the timing of his remarks as an appeal to African voters in the Ballon d’Or process. Those reactions are opinions expressed by individual social-media users rather than an established finding about Mbappé’s intentions.
Mbappé has not previously won the men’s Ballon d’Or. The 2026 ceremony is scheduled to take place in London on October 26.
For now, the Real Madrid forward says his message to Africa is rooted in the relationship he has maintained with the continent throughout his career.
“I want to thank them for the support they have given me throughout these years,” he said.
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