Mourinho backs Mbappé over China controversy

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has defended Kylian Mbappé following the controversy surrounding the forward’s remarks about China, praising the player and the club for their responses to the backlash.

Mourinho said he felt represented by the reactions of Mbappé and Real Madrid, adding that both had demonstrated class and responsibility in addressing the issue.

The Portuguese manager also maintained that the club had fulfilled its responsibility by apologising to the Chinese people and had no further role to play in the matter.

Speaking at a press conference on Saturday ahead of Real Madrid’s visit to Racing Santander, Mourinho said the incident highlighted the risks associated with making public comments in an increasingly sensitive world.

“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.

However, he praised the French forward and the Spanish club for their immediate reactions, saying their responses reflected their sense of responsibility.

“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,” he said.

Mourinho added that he had seen a strong sense of responsibility from Real Madrid and believed the matter had been adequately addressed.

“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.

The controversy followed comments by Mbappé about an internet meme featuring his face superimposed on that of former Chinese leader Mao Zedong.

The remarks attracted criticism in China, prompting the forward, Real Madrid and La Liga to issue apologies.

Mourinho also defended Mbappé’s character, describing the 27-year-old as intelligent and mature while praising his reaction to finishing behind Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane in the Ballon d’Or voting.

“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.

“One thing is knowing you’re the best, and another is having respect for those who have also done a lot to win a trophy. From him I only see class.”

Kane was named the winner of the award ahead of Mbappé, who finished second, while Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham placed 11th.

Mourinho said he was pleased with Kane’s achievement, having previously coached the striker at Tottenham Hotspur, despite his disappointment that his current player did not win the award.

“I had the privilege of working with Harry, he’s a great player and a great professional and a great person,” he 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.”

The Real Madrid manager also expressed surprise at Bellingham’s position in the voting, saying the midfielder’s 11th-place finish had left him astonished.

“What left me with my mouth open in surprise was Jude Bellingham 11th, no comments,” he said.