Real Madrid superstar and France national team captain Kylian Mbappé has pledged to dedicate the 2026 Ballon d’Or award to the continent of Africa should he be crowned the winner at the upcoming gala in London.
In an exclusive broadcast interview with French outlet Radio France Internationale (RFI) published on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, the 27-year-old forward reflected deeply on his heritage, his emotional connection with African supporters, and his ambition to lift football’s most coveted individual honor.
Speaking from Madrid, Mbappé emphasized that despite being born and raised in France, his identity remains deeply anchored in his African lineage, derived from his father Wilfried Mbappé, who hails from Cameroon, and his mother Fayza Lamari, of Algerian descent.
”I was always raised with African culture, even though I was born in France and did everything in France,” Mbappé told RFI during the interview. “I have never cut ties with my roots, my origins. It’s part of the values instilled in you.
Every time I go to Africa, I’m always welcomed so warmly. I feel the love from the people.” The Real Madrid star recalled his emotional visits to Cameroon, noting the profound affection he receives whenever he sets foot on African soil.
“I thank them for everything, and I hope to be able to walk away with the Ballon d’Or and, in one way or another, dedicate it to them too,” he added. Mbappé’s public declaration arrives at a critical juncture in the 2026 Ballon d’Or race. African journalists account for approximately 20% of the official voting jury, making the continent a vital constituency for contenders.
The French international enters the voting period with a formidable campaign following an extraordinary individual season where he led La Liga and the Champions League goalscoring charts.
As the countdown to London begins, Mbappé’s explicit tribute reinforces his ambition not only to claim football’s highest individual accolade, but to share its symbolism with millions of supporters across Africa.
