Ballon d’Or 2026: Samuel Eto’o decides between Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé

The race for the 2026 Ballon d’Or continues to fuel discussions. Kylian Mbappé, a candidate for the prestigious award, recently reiterated his connection to the African continent during an interview with RFI. The Real Madrid player, whose family origins are Cameroonian and Algerian, explained that he remains very attached to Africa and appreciates the warm welcome he receives during his visits to the continent. He also expressed the desire to win the trophy and, in a way, dedicate it to the Africans who support him.

But this statement does not seem to have convinced all the major figures in African football. Samuel Eto’o has thus expressed strong support for Lamine Yamal. The former FC Barcelona striker published a particularly laudatory message regarding the young Spanish international, presented as one of his favorites in this race. “Ballon d’Or of our hearts. Genius, bold, talented… Good luck in this race for the Ballon d’Or. But whatever the verdict, one thing is already certain: just like Ousmane, you are already the Ballon d’Or of our hearts. Keep making us dream “, wrote Eto’o.

A strong symbolic support from one of the biggest figures in Cameroonian football, as Mbappé still hopes to convince the voters and etch his name in the annals of the prestigious trophy.