Samuel Eto’o backs Lamine Yamal over Kylian Mbappé

Samuel Eto’o has publicly placed his support behind Lamine Yamal in the Ballon d’Or race, choosing the teenage Barcelona star over Kylian Mbappé. The intervention adds the voice of one of Cameroon’s most important football figures to the debate over this year’s award.

Eto’o made his position clear in a social-media post on Friday, praising Yamal’s ability, courage and talent while wishing him success in the voting. He also told the 19-year-old that, regardless of the final result, he had already won a special place in supporters’ hearts. The message presented Yamal as a player capable of inspiring African football followers.

Mbappé had recently highlighted his own connection with Africa during an interview with RFI. The France forward, who has Cameroonian and Algerian roots, said he remained closely linked to the continent and hoped to win the Ballon d’Or so he could dedicate it to African people. That appeal followed his limited number of appearances in Africa.

Eto’o’s choice means Mbappé will not receive the backing of the former Barcelona striker, who remains one of the best-known figures in Cameroonian football. The endorsement does not decide the award, but it gives Yamal a prominent African supporter as the contest continues.