Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé has said he hopes to dedicate the Ballon d’Or to Africa if he wins the prestigious individual award.
Mbappé, who has Cameroonian and Algerian heritage through his father and mother respectively, spoke about his connection with the continent in an interview with RFI on Tuesday.
The France captain said he had remained closely connected to his roots despite being born and raised in France.
“I have never cut ties with my roots, my origins,” Mbappé said.
He also spoke about the warm reception he has received during visits to Africa and thanked African journalists for their support in the Ballon d’Or voting process.
“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,” he said.
Mbappé has never won the Ballon d’Or and is among the players in contention for the 2026 award.
The 27-year-old finished as the leading scorer in La Liga and the Champions League last season and was also the top scorer at the 2026 World Cup.
The Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled to take place in London on October 26.
