French football star Kylian Mbappe has expressed one of his biggest wishes if he wins the Ballon d’Or.
In a recent interview with a foreign outlet, Mbappe revealed that he wants to dedicate the award to the African continent, citing his roots in Cameroon and the warmth he feels from people there during his visits.
“I’ve always had an upbringing steeped in African culture, even though I was born in France and did everything in France. I have never cut ties with my roots, my origins. It’s part of the values instilled in you,” Kylian Mbappe says.
He continued, “I went back to Cameroon not long ago. I used to go there when I was little, and I had an amazing time.”
“Every time I go to Africa, I’m always welcomed so warmly. I feel the love from the people,” Kylian Mbappe says. He also thanked African voters for their support and stressed that he has never lost connection to his origins despite being born and raised in France.
Leaving a message for his African supporters, he said, “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 be able to walk away with the Ballon d’Or and, in one way or another, dedicate it to them too,” Kylian Mbappe says.
The Ballon d’Or is the most prestigious individual award in world football, previously won by players such as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. In 2025, the men’s award went to Paris Saint-Germain and France forward Ousmane Dembele.
The list of 2026 nominees for the men’s award includes Jude Bellingham, Pau Cubarsi, Marc Cucurella, Bruno Fernandes, Gabriel, Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe, among others.
