Former Ivory Coast international Didier Drogba has suggested that Kylian Mbappé’s public image may have influenced the outcome of the 2026 Ballon d’Or, which was won by England striker Harry Kane.

The Real Madrid forward finished second in the voting, trailing Kane by 28 points. However, Drogba believes the decision may not have been based entirely on performances and achievements on the football pitch.

Speaking about the result, the former Chelsea striker pointed out that both Mbappé and Kane delivered impressive performances during the period under consideration. He also noted that neither player won the UEFA Champions League, suggesting that factors outside footballing achievements may have influenced the voters.

Drogba specifically raised concerns about how Mbappé is perceived by the public, arguing that his outspoken nature could have affected the way some voters viewed him.

According to the Ivorian legend, football personalities sometimes face criticism for expressing their opinions, particularly in France, where he believes players who speak openly can attract negative reactions.

He suggested that some voters might favour footballers who maintain a quieter public profile, although he insisted that Mbappé should not change his personality to satisfy public expectations.

Drogba’s comments have added another dimension to the discussion surrounding the 2026 Ballon d’Or outcome, particularly the debate over whether individual performances alone determine the prestigious award.