Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal and Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappé have made direct appeals to African voters as Ballon d'Or voting closes on Monday.
Voting for the prestigious award, which recognises the best football player in the world, officially closes on September 28 ahead of the presentation ceremony in London on October 26.
With the contest considered wider open than in recent years, Yamal and Mbappé have led an unusually direct campaign across global media, with both players highlighting their African roots in the final days of voting.
The African continent holds significant influence in the outcome of the Ballon d'Or due to its representation among the international panel of voters. In the 2025 edition, 22 of the 100 voting journalists represented African nations.
Voter structure and selection criteria
The voting panel consists of 100 journalists chosen from the top 100 countries in the official FIFA rankings. In Spain, editorial director of sports newspaper AS José Félix Díaz serves as the designated voter for the 2026 award.
Journalists participating from Africa represent South Africa, Algeria, Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Equatorial Guinea, Mali, Morocco, Mozambique, Nigeria, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Senegal, Tunisia, and Zambia.
Jury members evaluate candidates based on three strict criteria listed in order of priority: individual performance first, followed by collective team performance, and finally fair play on the pitch.
Mbappé targets African connection
Mbappé launched the campaign focus on Africa during an interview with Radio Francia Internacional. The French forward, who was born in Bondy and raised in France, emphasized his strong connection to African culture.
Speaking to the broadcaster, Mbappé expressed pleasure that supporters associate him with the award due to his African heritage. He thanked fans for their ongoing backing and expressed hope that he could dedicate the trophy to the continent if he wins.
The Real Madrid attacker noted that he had maintained a cultural connection to his roots throughout his life and career despite spending his entire development in France.
Mbappé added that he has always felt warmly received during visits to Africa, acknowledging the affection and support he has received from fans across the continent over many years.
Without collective club titles to bolster his candidacy this season, the Bondy native relies primarily on his individual goalscoring record, including his goalscoring feats at the FIFA World Cup.
Yamal responds on African representation
Yamal addressed the topic shortly after during an appearance on On Sport. The Barcelona winger, who plays internationally for Spain, stated that all professional footballers work to achieve collective silverware alongside individual honors like the Ballon d'Or.
Yamal stated that it is a source of pride for everyone with African roots, family connections, or personal experience on the continent to see African players nominated or reaching the podium.
The Spanish international remarked that while award selection is ultimately determined by performance on the field rather than nationality, having widespread African representation makes everyone involved proud.
Yamal added that everyone remains pleased with the growing presence of nominated players from African backgrounds and expressed hope that even more will feature in future editions.
Open race for football's top individual prize
While Yamal and Mbappé have conducted the most public campaigns, other elite players remain in contention for the prize. England captain Harry Kane, Spanish midfielder Fabián Ruiz, and Manchester City midfielder Rodri have also been highlighted as contenders, though all three have maintained a lower profile during the voting period.
The winner of the award will be revealed at the official gala event in London on October 26, concluding one of the most closely contested Ballon d'Or races in recent history.
