France captain Kylian Mbappé says he has never cut ties with his African roots, saying his upbringing was shaped by the continent, even though his football career has been spent representing France.
The Real Madrid forward, whose father is Cameroonian and whose mother is of Algerian descent, told RFI that his connection to Africa remained an important part of his identity and said he would dedicate the Ballon d'Or partly to the continent if he wins the award next month.
"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. It's part of the values instilled in you."
Those roots have been an increasingly public part of Mbappe's story and the forward has spent time visiting to reconnect with his roots and culture, making a widely publicized visit to Cameroon in July 2023.
During the visit, he travelled to Yaounde before visiting Douala and Djebale, the island where his father's family is from. The trip also included visits to schools supported by his foundation and a meeting with Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngu.
"I went back to Cameroon not long ago," he told RFI. "I used to go there when I was little, I had an amazing time. Every time I go to Africa, I'm always welcomed so warmly, I feel the love from people."
Although Mbappe's comments about his African identity have remained consistent, he said there had never been any doubts about representing France.
"I was born in France, I am French, I did everything in France," he said earlier this year. "I have Cameroonian and Algerian origins, but I grew up with French culture."
With the voting for the 2026 Ballon d'Or around the corner, Mbappe, who is among the nominees for this year's men's award, is counting on the support of the continent to join Eusebio, George Weah, Zinedine Zidane, Karim Benzema and Ousmane Dembélé in a rarefied group of players of African origin to have won the prize.
"First off, I thank them for the support over all these years," he said. "I've always felt so loved every time I've set foot on the African continent. I think that, having African origins, it's always a pleasure when people associate me with the Ballon d'Or.
"I thank them for everything and I hope to leave with the Ballon d'Or, and in one way or another, dedicate it to them."
The France captain is seeking the first Ballon d'Or of his career and has built a strong individual case after another prolific season for Real Madrid and a standout FIFA World Cup with France.
He scored 25 goals to finish as La Liga's leading scorer in 2025-26 and added 15 in the Champions League, plus another two in the Cope Del Rey to finish the season with 42 goals in 44 appearances for Real Madrid.