The famous footballer Kylian Mbappé, currently recovering from a knee injury, has reportedly found an unexpected ally in his quest for recovery: Cameroonian cuisine. According to a recent post on his social networks, Mbappé attributes part of his rapid return to form to the benefits of traditional Cameroonian dishes, including ndolé and miondo.
Ndolé is an emblematic dish of Cameroon, particularly popular in the Littoral and South-West regions. It is prepared with ndolé leaves (a variety of bitter spinach), peanut paste, and can include meat, fish or shrimp. Miondo, meanwhile, is a side dish made from cassava, cooked in banana leaves.
This nutrient-rich dish is more than just a culinary delight. Ndolé leaves are an excellent source of vitamins (A, C, E), minerals (calcium, iron, potassium) and fiber, contributing to a balanced diet. They also contain antioxidants and are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Ndolé is also a good source of protein, especially when prepared with meat or fish.
Kylian Mbappé's injury, a sprained left knee sustained in December 2025, has raised serious concerns about his participation in the 2026 World Cup. Some media even mentioned a risk of absence for the star player. However, his recent recovery seems promising, and his attraction to Cameroonian cuisine may well be a contributing factor to his recovery.
The Real Madrid striker had already been spotted in July 2023 enjoying ndolé with Francis Ngannou, a mixed martial arts star, during a visit to Cameroon, his father's country of origin. This affection for Cameroonian flavors therefore seems well established in the French player.
Beyond the culinary anecdote, the story of Mbappé highlighting ndolé and miondo underlines the importance of promoting local products and African gastronomic heritage. A strong message for Cameroonian companies, encouraging them to further promote these delights.
While waiting to see Mbappé back on the pitch, we can say that ndolé and miondo have gained a choice ambassador. His teammate Aurélien Tchouaméni was also present in the stands at a Côte d'Ivoire – Cameroon match.
