Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has defended Kylian Mbappé amid the controversy over the forward’s comments about China, saying both the player and the club handled the situation with class and took the necessary steps to address it.
Mourinho said he was satisfied with the responses from Mbappé and Real Madrid, noting that the club had fulfilled its responsibility by apologising to the Chinese people.
Speaking at a press conference on Saturday ahead of Real Madrid’s trip to face Racing Santander, the Portuguese manager said the incident highlighted the risks of making public statements 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.
He, however, praised the responses of the French forward and the Spanish club, saying their swift reactions demonstrated 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 further praised the club’s sense of responsibility, saying he believed Real Madrid had handled the situation appropriately and done enough to resolve the matter.
“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 stemmed from Mbappé’s comments about an internet meme showing his face superimposed on that of former Chinese leader Mao Zedong. His remarks sparked criticism in China, leading 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. He further praised the forward’s 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 claimed the award ahead of Mbappé, who finished second, while Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham secured 11th place.
Mourinho said he was happy for Kane, whom he previously managed at Tottenham Hotspur, although he admitted he would have preferred to see his current player, Mbappé, 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.
Mourinho also admitted he was surprised by Bellingham’s 11th-place finish in the voting, saying the midfielder’s position had left him astonished.
“What left me with my mouth open in surprise was Jude Bellingham 11th, no comments,” he said.