Konate confident Mbappe can recover from Ballon d’Or disappointment

Ibrahima Konate believes Kylian Mbappe has already put his recent setbacks behind him and is in the right frame of mind to make an impact on his return to France duty.

The France captain has been recalled to coach Zinedine Zidane’s squad after missing the team’s past three matches because of injury. Les Bleus are due to face Nations League fixtures against Italy and Turkey this week.

Konate, who plays alongside Mbappe at Real Madrid, said the forward’s current mood was evident in his recent performances and underlined how important he remains to the Spanish club.

“He’s in a very good frame of mind; you can see that from his recent matches – he’s been decisive,” Konate said.

“He’s absolutely vital for us in Madrid.”

Mbappe has faced a difficult period away from the pitch as well as dealing with his injury. In late October, he finished runner-up to Harry Kane in the Ballon d’Or voting.

The 27-year-old was later at the centre of controversy in China after remarks about former Chinese leader Mao Zedong, made during an interview with French programme The Bridge, prompted a backlash on social media.

Mbappe apologised after the comments drew criticism. Several major Chinese brands were also reportedly said to have ended their commercial relationships with him.

Konate, however, said the Ballon d’Or result had not diminished Mbappe’s commitment or competitive drive. The former Liverpool centre-back acknowledged that missing out would have been difficult, particularly because he felt Mbappe deserved to win, but said his team-mate responded immediately in training.

“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,” Konate added.

That response has left Konate hopeful Mbappe will be able to challenge again for the individual award next year.

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