Mbappé hopes to dedicate Ballon d’Or win to Africa

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Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé has said he hopes to dedicate the Ballon d’Or to Africa if he wins the prestigious individual award.

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Mbappé, who has African roots through his Cameroonian father and Algerian mother, spoke about his connection with the continent in an interview with RFI on Tuesday.

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The France captain said he had maintained his connection with his roots despite being born and raised in France.

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“I have never cut ties with my roots, my origins,” Mbappé said.

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He also spoke about the reception he has received during his visits to Africa and thanked African journalists for their support in the Ballon d’Or voting.

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“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.

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Mbappé has never won the Ballon d’Or and is among the players in contention for the 2026 award.

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The 27-year-old was the top scorer in La Liga and the Champions League last season and also finished as the leading scorer at the 2026 World Cup.

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The Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled to take place in London on October 26.

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