Mbappé campaigns for Ballon d'Or: his African strategy sparks controversy

Kylian Mbappé is mounting an active campaign for the Ballon d’Or, multiplying media appearances in the weeks leading up to the ceremony. After interviews with France Football and Spanish newspaper AS, the Real Madrid striker spoke on RFI, explicitly targeting journalists from the African continent, who represent 20% of voters.

In this interview, the player first defended his candidacy on substance, citing his individual performances and status as the top scorer in major competitions: “The ability to perform individually and dazzle people, that’s what marks people.” But it was the emotional dimension of his message that drew the most reaction. Mbappé emphasized his African roots and the connection he maintains with the continent: “Every time I go to Africa, I’m always extremely well received. I feel the love of the people.” He concluded by promising, should he win, to dedicate the trophy to the continent.

These statements quickly provoked criticism in French media. Columnist Daniel Riolo was among the most vocal, denouncing what he called “pure demagoguery” on RMC. “He arrives with all the trimmings. You can see it from a thousand kilometers away. It looks like a stolen car,” he said, pointing to a spectacle too obvious to be convincing.

Beyond the form, Riolo attacked the substance of the approach, arguing that Mbappé’s lobbying places individual interest above all else. “There’s enormous exaggeration about his account, what he brings or doesn’t bring to the team. I’ve never believed the end justifies the means,” he added, concluding that the way the player is building this potential success leaves him with “a bitter taste.”

Mbappé’s campaign illustrates a growing trend in Ballon d’Or voting: the media and geopolitical dimension of the vote now weighs as much, in the eyes of some observers, as performances on the pitch.