Konate Backs Mbappe as France Return Follows Ballon d’Or Setback and China Backlash

Kylian Mbappé is returning to France duty with the backing of team-mate Ibrahima Konaté, who says the forward remains in a positive frame of mind despite a difficult few weeks off the pitch.

Mbappé missed France’s last three matches through injury. His return comes after he finished second to England captain Harry Kane in the 2026 Ballon d’Or and faced a backlash in China over comments about former Chinese leader Mao Zedong.

Konaté, who plays alongside Mbappé at Real Madrid, said the forward had shown no signs of allowing the setbacks to affect his performances.

“He’s in a very good frame of mind; you can see that from his recent matches – he’s been decisive. He’s absolutely vital for us in Madrid,” Konaté said on Monday.

The defender added that Mbappé had quickly moved on from the disappointment of missing out on football’s top individual prize.

“He’s a competitor, so of course not winning the Ballon d’Or when he thoroughly deserved it is tough, but the very next day he was giving it his all in training,” Konaté said.

“I hope he’ll be in top form next year to lift it.”

Ballon d’Or disappointment followed by China controversy

Mbappé was beaten to the 2026 Ballon d’Or by Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane, who became the first Englishman in 25 years to win the men’s award.

The French forward’s second-place finish was followed by an international controversy over comments made during an interview with French programme The Bridge.

In a clip that later circulated online, Mbappé spoke about an internet meme that superimposed his face on Mao Zedong. He described the figure as “some guy, I think he’s a Chinese dictator”.

The remarks drew criticism in China, where public mockery of Mao is a sensitive issue. Mbappé subsequently apologised, saying his comment had been ill-judged and that he understood it had hurt people in China and Chinese communities elsewhere.

Real Madrid and La Liga also issued apologies.

The fallout had commercial consequences. Several Chinese companies, including beverage and dairy brands, ended their partnerships with the player. China’s state broadcaster CCTV also suspended its coverage of La Liga.

The issue has not been fully resolved. In comments reported by Reuters on November 6, China's ambassador to Spain, Yao Jing, said Chinese officials were in communication with Real Madrid and La Liga over the matter.

La Liga president Javier Tebas has also said the league is continuing discussions with Chinese authorities in an effort to limit the commercial damage.

France return puts focus back on football

Mbappé now has an opportunity to shift attention back to his performances as France continue their Nations League campaign under coach Zinedine Zidane.

France are scheduled to face Italy away on November 12 before hosting Turkey on November 15. The matches will be important as the team seeks to maintain its position in the group.

Mbappé, the 2018 World Cup winner, remains a central figure for both club and country. His recent performances for Real Madrid have also been cited by Konaté as evidence that he is in good shape.

For France, his return offers a significant attacking boost. For Mbappé, it is also a chance to let his football do the talking after a period dominated by individual disappointment and controversy.

About the Author

Maureen Onyango is a journalist passionate about storytelling, life coaching and spiritual lessons. She studied at the Kenya Institute of Management and enjoys telling stories that inform, inspire and empower communities.