Ballon d'Or Kylian Mbappé accused of a seduction campaign

Kylian Mbappé, in the midst of his race for the Ballon d’Or, multiplies interviews to charm African journalists, while commentators describe the move as overly orchestrated and even a “stolen car”. This clash between declared ambition and sharp criticism frames the current debate.

Targeted campaign in Africa

The Real Madrid striker, in the final sprint for the Ballon d’Or award, multiplies interviews. After appearances on France Football and AS last week, he spoke into the RFI microphone, recalling his status as a former Parisian.

He said he wants to win over the many journalists of the African continent, who account for no less than 20 % of the voters. He claims that his ability to perform individually and to “burn the retina” impresses people, while reminding that he is the top scorer in the biggest competitions.

“I have never cut the link with my roots and my origins,” he affirmed, adding that each visit to Africa receives him “extremely well”. He emphasized that his African origins make him happy to be associated with this award and that he hopes to be able to dedicate the Ballon d’Or to the continent.

Reactions and accusations of demagogy

Commentator Daniel Riolo, on RMC, described this move as “pure and simple demagogy”. He compared the appearance of the campaign to a stolen car, evoking garlands and confetti visible from a thousand kilometres away.

Riolo denounces a frantic lobbying where individualism reigns over everything else, judging Mbappé’s strategy as excessively staged. According to him, this form of persuasion leaves a bitter taste.

“There is a huge amount of exaggeration about his record, what he brings or does not bring to the team,” he continued. He does not understand the campaign, believes that the end does not justify the means and compares the situation to those who only see the result in football, concluding that it gives him a bitter taste.