Konate Defends Mbappe Following Ballon Heartbreak China Controversy

France defender Ibrahima Konaté has rallied behind Kylian Mbappé, saying the striker is in high spirits ahead of his return to Les Bleus under manager Zinedine Zidane. The endorsement comes after Mbappé narrowly missed the Ballon d’Or to England striker Harry Kane and endured a backlash over a China‑related remark.

Mbappé will feature in the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures against Italy and Turkey after missing the previous three games through injury. His absence had left Les Bleus short‑handed in attack.

The turbulent period also saw him lose the Ballon d’Or to Harry Kane and face severe criticism for a joke about former Chinese leader Mao Zedong made on a deleted segment of the French show The Bridge. The quip, which merged his face with a Chinese dictator, sparked immediate commercial fallout.

Mbappé and Dembélé rift leaves France squad uneasy after Ballon d’Or

Major Chinese sponsors cut ties and state broadcaster CCTV suspended La Liga match broadcasts as a result. Despite the off‑field noise, Konaté insisted his Real Madrid teammate remains fully focused on football.

He told reporters on Monday that Mbappé is in a very good frame of mind, decisive in recent matches and absolutely vital for us in Madrid. Konaté’s confidence underscores the striker’s importance to both club and country.

Mbappé brushes aside his Ballon d’Or disappointment, stays motivated