Mbappé hopes to dedicate Ballon d’Or win to Africa - Punch Newspapers
Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé has said he hopes to dedicate the Ballon d’Or to Africa if he wins the prestigious individual award. 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. The France captain said he had maintained his connection with his roots despite being born and raised in France. “I have never cut ties with my roots, my origins,” Mbappé said. 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. La Liga president slams Madrid over refereeing conspiracy claims La Liga president slams Real Madrid over refereeing ‘conspiracy’ claims La Liga: Madrid’s Valverde sidelined with ankle injury “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 never won the Ballon d’Or and is among the players in contention for the 2026 award. 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. The Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled to take place in London on October 26. Okiki Adeduyite Okiki is a journalist with over seven years experience covering politics, foreign news, society, entertainment and the film industry.
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