African nations split Ballon d'Or votes: Mbappe leads with 9, Kane gets 4, Nigeria backs Rodri

France Football today revealed how African journalists voted in the 2026 Ballon d'Or, showing a fragmented continent behind winner Harry Kane. The Bayern Munich striker claimed the award at a London ceremony days ago, but secured first-place votes from only four African nations: Senegal, Angola, South Africa, and Uganda.

Kylian Mbappe dominated African support with nine countries backing the Real Madrid forward: Benin, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Egypt, Ghana, Guinea, Mali, DR Congo, and Zambia. Barcelona's Lamine Yamal collected four votes from Cape Verde, Burkina Faso, Algeria, and Tunisia.

Nigeria stood alone in voting for Barcelona midfielder Rodri, diverging from both the African majority and the eventual winner. The split reflects varied regional football affinities—West Africa largely backed Mbappe, North Africa leaned Yamal, while Southern and East African nations split between Kane and Mbappe.

Kane's overall victory came despite limited African backing, suggesting strong support from European and other continental journalists. The voting pattern also highlights how individual national football cultures shape Ballon d'Or preferences across Africa.

Does this voting split reflect genuine football philosophy differences, or just loyalty to players featuring in leagues African fans follow most closely?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/10/31/ballon-dor-2026-african-countries-who-voted-for-kane-mbappe-yamal/