Ballon d’Or: Francis Ngannou backs Mbappé!

The Cameroonian fighter is said to have chosen the Frenchman, while congratulating winner Harry Kane

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Ballon d’Or: Francis Ngannou backs Mbappé!

Second behind Harry Kane in the 2026 Ballon d’Or standings, Kylian Mbappé received the support of Francis Ngannou, who believes he deserved the trophy this year.

Francis Ngannou has his winner. After the ceremony held in London on Monday, October 26, the former UFC heavyweight champion made his preference for Kylian Mbappé clear. The Cameroonian would have liked to see the Real Madrid striker win his first Ballon d’Or, which was ultimately awarded to Harry Kane.

Ngannou names Mbappé as his favourite

“Popular or unpopular opinion, but for me, Kylian Mbappé is the Ballon d’Or winner this year,” the fighter wrote on social media.

However, Ngannou accompanied his stance with a tribute to the winner: “Huge congratulations to the legendary Harry Kane on his win, and to all the nominees for keeping us entertained throughout the season!”

He is therefore expressing a personal preference for the Frenchman, without accusing the jury of wrongdoing or questioning the legitimacy of the trophy won by the Englishman.

Popular or unpopular opinion, but for me, Kylian Mbappé is this year’s Ballon d’Or winner. 🏆That’s my pick. 🤷🏾‍♂️ Huge congratulations to the legendary Harry Kane on his win, and to all the nominees for keeping us entertained throughout the season! 👏⚽ https://t.co/zZW7uEyRFS
— Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) October 27, 2026

Three top-scorer crowns for the Frenchman

Mbappé had strong statistical arguments. During the 2025-2026 season, he finished as La Liga’s top scorer with 25 goals in 31 matches, then topped the Champions League scoring charts with 15 goals in 11 appearances. He then added the 2026 World Cup Golden Boot, thanks to his ten goals.

The France captain nevertheless ended the campaign without a team trophy with Madrid. France, meanwhile, were eliminated by Spain in the World Cup semi-finals. His scoring honours were therefore not enough to earn him the Ballon d’Or.

A personal record despite the disappointment

At 27, Mbappé nevertheless achieved his best ranking in the history of the award. Finishing second ahead of Lamine Yamal, he improved on the third place he secured in 2023.

Kane also presented an exceptional case: 73 goals for club and country during the 2025-2026 campaign, as well as a domestic treble with Bayern Munich. The contrast between the two strikers’ team achievements sheds light on the debate, without by itself summarising each voter’s choice. For Ngannou, the preference remains clearly French.

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