Konate: Mbappe returns to France squad in ‘good frame of mind’ after Ballon d’Or loss and China backlash

Paris, Nov 10 — France defender Ibrahima Konate has expressed optimism about Kylian Mbappe's return to national team action, despite the defender's absence from the last three matches due to injury. Mbappe is set to rejoin coach Zinedine Zidane's squad ahead of their Nations League matches against Italy and Turkey this week. Konate, who plays alongside Mbappe at Real Madrid, stated that the forward is in a "very good frame of mind" and has been "decisive" in his recent performances.

Mbappe narrowly lost the Ballon d’Or to England and Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane in late October. Following a social media controversy sparked by a joke about former Chinese leader Mao Zedong in a French TV interview, Mbappe had to apologize and faced backlash from major Chinese brands and a state television broadcaster in Spain.

The former Liverpool centre-half added that Mbappe has moved on from the Ballon d’Or disappointment and is focused on being in top form for next year's competition.