Adebayor picks Mbappe for the 2026 Ballon d'Or and believes in an African victory

Former Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor names Kylian Mbappé as his favorite for the 2026 Ballon d'Or. According to Afrik-Foot, which interviewed him exclusively, he places the French striker ahead of Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal, and Ousmane Dembélé. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Michael Olise are also among those mentioned as contenders. Still according to Afrik-Foot, Kane and Yamal seem to be the two main favorites for the award.

Individual performances first

Adebayor, who played for Arsenal, Manchester City, and Real Madrid, believes that individual performances should carry more weight than other criteria. He emphasizes Mbappé's efficiency in front of goal. "Considering the past season, as an attacker, I would advocate for Mbappé. He was top scorer in all competitions he participated in. Kylian ended up as top scorer in La Liga, the Champions League, and the World Cup," he noted.

For him, statistics and the ability to turn a match are what make the difference. "The Ballon d'Or is first and foremost an individual award; one judges stats and decisive actions. For me, it's Mbappé!" he concludes.

Africa awaits a successor to Weah

No player from the continent has won the trophy since George Weah in 1995. The two African nominees for this edition, Achraf Hakimi and Sadio Mané, do not count among the favorites. Adebayor remains optimistic nonetheless. "George Weah did it. As proof that we are capable of it. I truly believe that football is not far from achieving it," he says.

He recalls that others have come close to winning the award. Sadio Mané finished second in 2022, behind Karim Benzema. Mohamed Salah was ranked among the top seven five times during his Liverpool period, including a fourth place in 2025. Hakimi took sixth place last year. "Four years ago, my younger brother Sadio Mané was not far off. He finished second. Salah was not far off during his prime at Liverpool. We will get there one day. When? I cannot tell you."

Adebayor does not set any timeline for an African victory.