Ballon d'Or 2026: Didier Drogba can't understand Harry Kane's triumph

The Ivorian legend finally breaks his silence

Africa Today at 07:02

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Ballon d'Or 2026: Didier Drogba can't understand Harry Kane's triumph

In recent hours, Didier Drogba spoke about the 2026 Ballon d'Or won by Harry Kane a few weeks ago.

The former Ivory Coast captain came to Kylian Mbappé's defence. Although the Real Madrid forward finished second in the 2026 Ballon d’Or, just 28 points behind Harry Kane, former Ivory Coast international Didier Drogba questioned the reasons behind the result.

In the view of the former Chelsea player, the France captain could have been in contention for another individual award and could even achieve a historic double if he wins the next World Cup. “I think if he wins the World Cup, he’ll win the Ballon d’Or twice in a row,” Drogba told Le Parisien.

Drogba waxes lyrical about Kylian Mbappé

The Ivorian legend believes the debate came down to fine margins, pointing in particular to Kylian Mbappé’s performances in a Real Madrid shirt. “It came down to very little because he’s been flying at Madrid. Kane didn’t win the Champions League either… I don’t know, I’m trying to understand,” Didier Drogba continued.

🚨🗣️ 𝗡𝗘𝗪: Didier Drogba believes Kylian Mbappé's public image could have played a role in losing out on the Ballon d'Or by 28 points to Harry Kane! 🤔 “He’s performing brilliantly at Real Madrid. Harry Kane didn’t win the Champions League either… So maybe it comes down to his public image. “In France, we’re very hard on players who speak out, and Mbappé is a player who speaks out." "Sometimes people prefer players who say less. But he should stay true to himself.”
— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) November 14, 2026

The Ivorian also put forward another explanation: a possible shortfall in the French forward’s public image. According to Drogba, Mbappé’s personality and outspoken views could influence how the public perceives him. “In France, we’re very hard on Mbappé in particular and on outspoken players in general. And Mbappé is an outspoken player. Sometimes people prefer players who are less controversial,” he concluded.

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Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.