Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has thrown his full weight behind Kylian Mbappé after the French striker's comments about China sparked a storm, saying the player and the club handled the matter with class and that the story is now closed.
Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, October 31, 2026, ahead of Real Madrid's trip to Racing Santander, Mourinho said the club had done everything required after issuing an apology to the Chinese people,
according to ...
...
What did Mourinho say about the Mbappé China controversy?
Mourinho did not hide his relief that the saga had ended quickly. He told reporters that both his club and his striker reacted immediately and responsibly.
“Tranquillity, because my club is Real Madrid and my player at home is Kylian Mbappé. Both have had the class to have an immediate reaction, and I feel as a coach very represented by my club and by my player,” Mourinho said.
He added that the club had shown serious responsibility and that, as far as he was concerned, the file was shut.
“I’ve seen a lot of responsibility from a club which, at this level, is a club of great class, and as far as we’re concerned, that’s it, we’ve done our part, there’s nothing more for us to do,” he said.
Why did the comments cause such anger in China?
The trouble started when Mbappé made remarks about an internet meme showing his face superimposed on that of former Chinese leader Mao Zedong. The comments drew sharp criticism in China, and the fallout was swift: the player, Real Madrid and La Liga all issued apologies.
The Athletic,
reported that Mbappé apologised on Wednesday for the remark, which he made on a French talk show when asked which online meme of himself makes him laugh the most.
Mourinho, never one to bite his tongue, used the moment to reflect on the tightrope public figures now walk.
“With this situation involving China, these are the dangers of today’s world, where many times the best thing you can do is keep your mouth shut, because there’s danger in so many things you say or comment on,” Mourinho told reporters, in comments also carried by
A lesson for African stars in the global spotlight
Here is where the story speaks directly to us. African players and African public figures live this reality every single day. One careless sentence, and the machine comes for your neck. The Mbappé episode shows how fast the world moves against a public figure who steps on a political nerve, and how fast a sincere apology can close the door on the drama.
Mbappé himself is of Cameroonian descent, and his rise to the summit of world football remains one of the great African diaspora success stories. Watching him navigate this storm with maturity is a reminder that our stars carry more than talent; they carry responsibility, and they carry our name.
Mourinho made it clear he sees that maturity in the 27-year-old.
“Kylian is very intelligent, very mature, with a very high level of self-esteem,” Mourinho said. “At the same time, he shows real class in the way he’s interpreted the Ballon d’Or going to Harry. In him I’ve only seen and felt class and respect.”
What about the Ballon d’Or result?
Mourinho also addressed the Ballon d’Or voting, where Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane finished ahead of Mbappé, who placed second. Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham came 11th.
The Portuguese coach admitted his disappointment but said he was genuinely happy for Kane, whom he coached at Tottenham Hotspur.
“I had the privilege of working with Harry, he’s a great player and a great professional and a great person,” Mourinho said.
“Inside the frustration that my player (Mbappé) didn’t win, well, I have to be honest and say I’m very happy for Harry, a player and a boy who deserves it.”
One result left him truly stunned: Bellingham’s low finish.
“What left me with my mouth open in surprise was Jude Bellingham 11th, no comments,” he said.
What happens next for Mbappé and Real Madrid?
With the China controversy settled through apologies from the player, the club and the league, Mourinho’s message is simple: the page is turned. Real Madrid travel to face Racing Santander with their focus back on the pitch, and Mbappé returns to doing what he does best, scoring goals and silencing noise.
For young African players dreaming of that same stage, the lesson is written plainly. Talent opens the door, but character keeps you in the room. Mbappé showed both this week.
FAQ
What did Kylian Mbappé apologise for?
Mbappé apologised for remarks he made about an internet meme showing his face superimposed on that of former Chinese leader Mao Zedong, comments that drew criticism in China.
Did Real Madrid apologise to China?
Yes. Real Madrid, Mbappé and La Liga all issued apologies over the comments, and Mourinho said on Saturday that the club has done its part and considers the matter closed.
Who won the 2026 Ballon d’Or?
Harry Kane of Bayern Munich won the award, with Mbappé finishing second and Jude Bellingham placing 11th.