Konate reveals Kylian Mbappe’s reaction to missing out on Ballon d’Or: ‘He more than deserved it’

Kylian Mbappe has wasted little time moving on from his Ballon d’Or disappointment, despite finishing just 28 points behind Harry Kane in the voting.  The Real Madrid forward came close to claiming the individual award , but Kane ultimately emerged as the winner. Mbappe has not spoken extensively about the result since the ceremony, with his attention returning to club football.  However, France and Real Madrid teammate Ibrahima Konate has offered his insight into how the forward has reacted, suggesting the defeat has not affected his focus or motivation. Konate explains why the defeat hurt Mbappe Konate, who signed for Real Madrid this past summer on a free transfer from Liverpool, suggested that the narrow defeat was particularly difficult for the forward because he believed the award was within his reach. Konate explains why Mbappe was hurt after missing out on the Ballon d’or. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) “He more than deserved the Ballon d’Or, which is why it’s tough for him not to have won it.” The Real Madrid defender added, as per Defensa Central , that “He’s in very good spirits. He’s ready for whatever comes his way and is working hard.”   Mbappe answers disappointment with goals Mbappe, on his part, has made a strong start to life after the ceremony.  He scored in each of the club’s three subsequent fixtures, finding the net against Racing Santander, AEK Athens and Valencia. Mbappe opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 3-0 victory over Racing, struck in the 3-2 Champions League win against AEK and scored again during the 3-0 success at Valencia.  Kylian Mbappe is still enjoying a great run of form. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) Notably, the sequence of his form is actually giving him a useful platform for the remainder of the campaign.  Rather than allowing the Ballon d’Or result to dominate his season, Mbappe can focus on collective trophies and performances that will influence his next opportunity to win it. UCL success could influence Mbappe’s next Ballon d’Or bid The absence of a major men’s international tournament in 2027 places additional importance on club football in the next Ballon d’Or race.  Mbappe will therefore have a significant incentive to help Real Madrid compete for the Champions League and deliver consistently across the season. Indeed, the likes of Lamine Yamal will still be in contention, but if Real Madrid win major trophies under Jose Mourinho, especially the Champions League, Mbappe’s chances of challenging for the Ballon d’Or next year will undoubtedly increase.