Emmanuel Adebayor has selected Kylian Mbappe as his preferred winner of the Ballon d’Or 2026, placing the France forward ahead of a field that includes Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembele.

The former Togo international, who played for Arsenal, Manchester City and Real Madrid, told Afrik-Foot that individual performances should carry greater weight than other considerations when the award is decided.

“For me, it’s Mbappe,” Adebayor said, highlighting the striker’s attacking efficiency over the past season. In his view, a player’s statistics and ability to change the outcome of matches should be the main factors considered by the voters.

That assessment puts Mbappe at the top of Adebayor’s personal ranking, despite the competition from several leading players. Yamal and Kane are regarded as the two principal favourites, while the other names in contention have also strengthened what is expected to be a closely fought race.

Adebayor’s preference for Mbappe is based on the Frenchman’s direct contribution in front of goal and his influence on matches. The former striker believes those qualities should take precedence when the winner is chosen.

Adebayor believes Africa’s wait will end

The former Arsenal and Real Madrid forward also discussed the prospects of an African player winning the Ballon d’Or again. George Weah remains the only footballer from the continent to have claimed the prize, after his success in 1995.

Africa’s two nominees for this year’s award, Achraf Hakimi and Sadio Mane, are not considered among the leading favourites. However, Adebayor still believes another African player will eventually end the long wait for a second winner, although he did not predict when that breakthrough would come.

Several players have come close in recent years. Sadio Mane finished second in 2022, behind Karim Benzema, while Mohamed Salah was repeatedly among the leading contenders during his best years at Liverpool. Salah recorded five finishes in the Top 7, including fourth place in 2025.

Achraf Hakimi had also been expected to challenge for a podium position for a long period, but finished sixth last year. Adebayor sees those performances as evidence that African players are capable of competing with the biggest names in world football.

He therefore remains confident that another African Ballon d’Or winner will emerge in time. For the 2026 edition, though, his choice is clear: Adebayor’s vote would go to Kylian Mbappe.