{
  "id": 19237895,
  "title": "Konate: Mbappe in 'good frame of mind' for France",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/09/konate-mbappe-in-good-frame-of-mind-for-france",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-09T22:35:18.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/football/2026/11/1574280/konate-mbappe-good-frame-mind-france"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "France defender Ibrahima Konate expressed optimism about Kylian Mbappe's mindset as he prepares to return to national team action following an injury setback. Despite missing out on the prestigious Ballon d'Or and facing controversy in China over his comments about Mao Zedong, Mbappe appears to be in a positive frame of mind. Mbappe, who missed France's last three matches, has returned to coach Zinedine Zidane's squad ahead of their Nations League fixtures against Italy and Turkey. According to Konate, who also plays alongside Mbappe at Real Madrid, the 2018 World Cup winner is \"in a very good frame of mind\" and his recent performances indicate decisiveness. The controversy over his Mao Zedong comment led to major Chinese brands severing ties with Mbappe and Spanish La Liga matches being pulled from state broadcaster CCTV. However, Konate emphasized that Mbappe has moved on from the Ballon d'Or disappointment, stating that despite his deserved loss, the young star remains focused in training. Konate expressed hope that Mbappe will be in top form next year to win the coveted award once again.",
  "summary": "PARIS: France defender Ibrahima Konate said on Monday that Kylian Mbappe was in a good place as he returns to national team action despite missing out on the Ballon d’Or and the controversy in China sparked by his comments about Mao Zedong.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Konate says returning Mbappe in ‘good frame of mind’ for France",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/09/konate-says-returning-mbappe-in-good-frame-of-mind-for-france",
        "published": "2026-11-09T21:06:06.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "Konate: Mbappe returns to France squad in ‘good frame of mind’ after Ballon d’Or loss and China backlash",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/10/konate-mbappe-returns-to-france-squad-in-good-frame-of-mind-after",
        "published": "2026-11-10T04:22:25.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}