Former Ivorian footballer Didier Drogba has come to the defense of Kylian Mbappé, who finished second in the 2026 Ballon d'Or voting. In an interview with Le Parisien, Drogba suggested that Mbappé's public image may have played a role in his loss to Harry Kane. Despite an exceptional individual performance, Mbappé was beaten by just 28 points. Drogba, who hosted the Ballon d'Or ceremony between 2019 and 2024, believes that Mbappé's image may have affected the voting.
Drogba pointed to Mbappé's history of disappointing performances in the Ballon d'Or voting, where he finished third in 2023 with 270 points and sixth in 2024 with 420 points. He believes that if Mbappé had won the World Cup, he would have won the Ballon d'Or twice in a row. Drogba also noted that Mbappé's performance with Paris Saint-Germain and his potential move to Real Madrid could have impacted the voting.
According to Drogba, the French public is particularly harsh on Mbappé, who is known for his outspoken personality. He believes that the French public prefers players with a more polished image, rather than those who speak their minds. Drogba also revealed that Mbappé is his favorite player, but emphasized that he should not try to change his personality to win over fans.
Drogba's comments highlight the challenges faced by players who speak out on social and political issues. He believes that players like Mbappé, who are unafraid to express their opinions, are often judged harshly by fans and the media. Despite this, Drogba encouraged Mbappé to remain true to himself, rather than trying to change his image to appease others.
The 2026 Ballon d'Or voting was closely contested, with Kane ultimately emerging as the winner. Drogba questioned the voting process, noting that Kane had not won the Champions League, while Mbappé had an exceptional season with Paris Saint-Germain. He emphasized that the voting process is often subjective and influenced by factors beyond a player's performance on the pitch.
Drogba's defense of Mbappé has sparked a wider debate about the role of image and personality in the Ballon d'Or voting. Some have argued that the award should be based solely on a player's performance, while others believe that their public image and personality are also important factors. The debate is likely to continue in the lead-up to future Ballon d'Or ceremonies.
Mbappé's snub has also raised questions about the criteria used to select the Ballon d'Or winner. While some have praised Kane's achievements, others believe that Mbappé's individual performance and leadership on the pitch make him a deserving winner. The discussion is likely to continue as the football world analyzes the voting process and looks ahead to future awards.
Key points
- Didier Drogba believes Kylian Mbappé's public image may have affected his chances of winning the 2026 Ballon d'Or.
