By Adegboyega Adeleye
France captain Kylian Mbappé says he hopes to dedicate the Ballon d’Or to Africa if he wins the prestigious individual award next month, stressing that he has never cut ties with his African roots.
The Real Madrid forward, whose father is Cameroonian and mother is of Algerian descent, made the remarks in an interview with RFI, saying his African upbringing remains an important part of his identity despite representing France throughout his football career.
“I’ve always had an upbringing steeped in African culture, even though I was born in France and did everything in France,” Mbappe said.
“I have never cut ties with my roots, my origins. It’s part of the values instilled in you.”
Mbappe has increasingly embraced his African roots publicly and visited Cameroon in July 2023, travelling to Yaounde before visiting Douala and Djebale, the island where his father’s family is from.
The visit also included trips to schools supported by his foundation and a meeting with Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngu.
“I went back to Cameroon not long ago,” he told RFI. “I used to go there when I was little, I had an amazing time. Every time I go to Africa, I’m always welcomed so warmly, I feel the love from people.”
Despite his African heritage, Mbappe said there had never been any doubt about his decision to represent France.
“I was born in France, I am French, I did everything in France,” he said earlier this year. “I have Cameroonian and Algerian origins, but I grew up with French culture.”
With voting for the 2026 Ballon d’Or approaching, Mbappe is among the nominees for the men’s award and is hoping to receive support from across Africa. The winner will be crowned at a ceremony in London on October 26.
A victory would place him alongside Eusebio, George Weah, Zinedine Zidane, Karim Benzema and Ousmane Dembélé among players of African origin who have won the prize.
“First off, I thank them for the support over all these years,” he said. “I’ve always felt so loved every time I’ve set foot on the African continent. I think that, having African origins, it’s always a pleasure when people associate me with the Ballon d’Or.
“I thank them for everything and I hope to leave with the Ballon d’Or, and in one way or another, dedicate it to them.”
Mbappe is seeking the first Ballon d’Or of his career after another prolific season with Real Madrid and a standout FIFA World Cup with France.
He scored 25 goals to finish as La Liga’s leading scorer in 2025-26, added 15 in the Champions League and another two in the Copa del Rey, finishing the season with 42 goals in 44 appearances for Real Madrid.
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