Kylian Mbappe has declared his desire to dedicate the 2026 Ballon d’Or to Africa if he wins, while continuing his push for the award.

“I have never lost the connection with my roots and my origins. Every time I go to Africa, I feel the love from the people,” Mbappe told RFI.

“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.”

Mbappe, whose father is from Cameroon and mother is of Algerian descent, insisted on Tuesday that he feels confident he will claim the prize.

The 27-year-old was the top scorer at the World Cup, the Champions League and La Liga last season.

He scored 25 La Liga goals, 15 in the Champions League and 10 at the World Cup, becoming the tournament’s all-time leading scorer with 22 goals.

But he won nothing collectively. France lost in the World Cup semi-finals, Real Madrid finished second in La Liga and were knocked out of the Champions League by Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals.

“The ability to perform individually and produce eye-catching moments, that’s what stands out to people for an award like this,” Mbappe said. “I was top scorer in all the biggest competitions, and I think that this could be a good year for me, and I really feel it.”

He faces tough competition from players who enjoyed collective success in 2026. Rodri captained Spain to the World Cup. Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres won La Liga and the World Cup with Barcelona and Spain.

Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia won Ligue 1 and the Champions League with PSG. Harry Kane won the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich.

Mbappe also made clear he wants the award to return to Real Madrid. Speaking to Diario AS, he said he hopes the prize can make its way back to the Santiago Bernabeu to give Madridistas another reason to celebrate.

The Ballon d’Or ceremony takes place in London on October 26.