Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe has stated that, should he win the prestigious individual honor, he hopes to dedicate the Ballon d’Or to Africa.
In an interview with RFI on Tuesday, Mbappe, whose Cameroonian father and Algerian mother give him African roots, discussed his bond with the continent.
The France captain explained that he has kept his ties to his roots alive, even though he was born and raised in France.
“I have never cut ties with my roots, my origins,” Mbappe said.
He also discussed the welcome he has received on his trips to Africa and expressed gratitude to African journalists for backing him in the Ballon d’Or voting.
“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 yet to win the Ballon d’Or, and he is one of the players in the running for the 2026 award.
Last season, the 27-year-old was the leading scorer in both La Liga and the Champions League, and he also ended the 2026 World Cup as its top scorer.
The Ballon d’Or ceremony is set to be held in London on October 26.
