Kylian Mbappe Says He Will Dedicate Ballon d'Or 'In Some Way Or Another' To African Roots

France captain Kylian Mbappe has said he would dedicate the Ballon d'Or “in some way or another” to Africa if he wins the prestigious individual award, while the Real Madrid forward missed France training with flu ahead of the Nations League.

Mbappe did not train with his teammates Tuesday at Clairefontaine as France began preparations for matches against Türkiye on Friday and Belgium next Monday. France will then host Italy on October 2 and Belgium on October 5. It remains unclear whether the illness will affect Mbappe's availability for Friday's match.

The 27-year-old remains France captain under new coach Zinedine Zidane, who replaced Didier Deschamps. The Türkiye game will be Zidane's first competitive match in charge.

Mbappe's comments about Africa come as voting for the 2026 Ballon d'Or approaches. The France captain is among the nominees after a prolific season with Real Madrid and has previously made clear that he believes his individual performances merit the award.

He scored 42 goals in 44 appearances for Real Madrid during the 2025-26 season, including 25 in La Liga and 15 in the Champions League. He finished as the leading scorer in both competitions, although Real Madrid ended the campaign without a major trophy.

Mbappe also made history at the 2026 World Cup, becoming the tournament's all-time leading scorer with 22 goals. He was part of France's 2018 World Cup-winning squad.

Speaking to RFI, Mbappe said his connection to Africa remains an important part of his identity. His father is Cameroonian and his mother is of Algerian descent.

“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.”

Mbappe visited Cameroon in 2023, travelling to Yaoundé, Douala and Djebale, where his father's family is from. He said he had always felt warmly welcomed during his visits to Africa.

“I hope to leave with the Ballon d'Or, and in one way or another, dedicate it to them,” Mbappe said.

For now, however, Mbappe's immediate concern is his recovery from the flu as Zidane prepares for his first competitive assignment with France.