Mourinho backs Mbappe after Mao Zedong remark row

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 1 Nov, 01:56 · Archive

Jose Mourinho has supported Kylian Mbappe following backlash over the Real Madrid forward's comments about Mao Zedong.

Kylian Mbappe apologised after referring to a meme in which his face is superimposed on a figure resembling Mao Zedong, China's late leader who died in 1976. The Real Madrid forward was discussing his nickname during an episode of French talk show The Bridge when the host asked him about memes that made him laugh. Mbappe said the meme he found funniest was "a video of a guy, I think it's a Chinese dictator" before footage showed his face on an image resembling Mao.

Jose Mourinho said that "often the best thing you can do is keep your mouth shut" when asked about the reaction to Mbappe's comments, describing them as representing one of the "dangers of today's world". However, Mourinho backed the 27-year-old, saying he acted "very responsibly" toward Real Madrid and showed "true class" by apologising quickly. The Portuguese manager said the club has nothing more to do on the matter and considers it closed.

How it is being reported

• Jose Mourinho says Real Madrid and Kylian Mbappe have moved on from China controversyMourinho said that the club has nothing more to say.The Japan Times · 1 Nov, 01:43
• 'Best thing is keep your mouth shut' - Mourinho on Mbappe-Mao rowReal Madrid head coach Jose Mourinho says the "best thing is to keep your mouth shut" but backs Kylian Mbappe following reaction to his Mao Zedong remark.BBC Sport · 31 Oct, 17:40

In this story: Kylian Mbappe · Jose Mourinho · Real Madrid · Mao Zedong · China

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