Francis Ngannou and Kylian Mbappé have chosen Ndolé, a beloved Cameroonian dish, over the popular West African meal, jollof rice, during their recent gathering in Cameroon.
In a symbolic reunion, football superstar Kylian Mbappé has reconnected with his roots alongside MMA icon Francis Ngannou.
While in Cameroon, Mbappé, whose father is from the country, spent quality time with Ngannou, highlighting their friendship and shared heritage.
To mark the moment, the Real Madrid-bound striker and former UFC champion shared a photo on Instagram of them enjoying a meal together in Yaoundé.
The snapshot showed them eating Ndolé, a rich Cameroonian dish typically made with bitter leaves, peanuts, and meat or fish, often accompanied by miondos (cassava sticks).
Social media users quickly reacted to the viral post, which was captioned: “Enjoying Cameroon’s most famous dish Ndolé with Mbappe.”
Mbappé, who had recently returned from the USA after meeting stars in the NBA, fashion, and entertainment industries, received a rockstar welcome upon arriving in Cameroon.
Ngannou, who famously beat Ciryl Gane to reclaim the UFC heavyweight title in January 2022, was among those who warmly welcomed the French football captain.
The meeting between the two sports icons showcased Cameroonian pride, with fans thrilled to see them embrace their heritage.
Their shared moment reflects a celebration of culture and identity, and of Cameroon’s culinary richness through dishes like Ndolé.
Mbappé, still only 25, is widely recognized as one of football’s top talents and has increasingly embraced his African roots, especially through visits like this.
During his trip, which is both charitable and personal, he plans to meet Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute to discuss community development projects he aims to support in the country.
The striker’s return to Cameroon has generated major buzz, not just for the celebrity presence, but also for the potential impact of his philanthropic goals.
Together, Mbappé and Ngannou’s moment highlights unity, cultural appreciation, and a powerful reminder of where they came from.