Real, Mbappe have moved on from China controversy, says Mourinho

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho stated on Saturday that the club and French star Kylian Mbappe had responded appropriately by apologizing for the captain's remarks referring to former Chinese leader Mao Zedong as a dictator. Both Real Madrid and Mbappe expressed regret in the days following their comments, while LaLiga's president Javier Tebas established a crisis unit and met with Chinese ambassador Yao Jing to address the fallout.

Chinese state media outlet China Daily reported that Mbappe's remark had sparked backlash among Chinese fans, threatened his commercial relationships, and served as a stark reminder of the limits of celebrity influence in China. The controversy highlights the risks for athletes and brands in the lucrative Chinese market, where satire about Mao Zedong, the country's founding leader who governed from 1949 until his death in 1976, remains a social taboo.

Mourinho, speaking ahead of Sunday's match, emphasized the dangers of today's world where many things people say or comment on carry risks. However, he felt both Real Madrid and Mbappe had acted responsibly, responding swiftly to the controversy. The incident stems from a long-standing joke surrounding Mbappe's perceived influence at club level, with fans creating memes superimposing his face on images of military and political leaders to suggest he could influence decisions at the teams he plays for. Real Madrid currently sit third in La Liga, four points behind leaders Atletico Madrid.