# Mourinho praises Mbappé for apologising over Mao Zedong remark

- URL: https://apitofinal.pt/en/internacional-en/mourinho-praises-mbappe-for-apologising-over-mao-zedong-remark/
- Published: 2026-10-31T18:16:58+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-31T18:19:10+00:00
- Publisher: Apito Final (apitofinal.pt)
- Section: Internacional
- Tags: Kylian Mbappé, La Liga, Racing Santander, Real Madrid

## Article

José Mourinho addressed the controversy surrounding Kylian Mbappé and Mao Zedong at his pre-match press conference, saying that “often the best thing you can do is keep your mouth shut”. The Real Madrid manager praised Mbappé’s attitude, as the forward apologised quickly.

The comments follow the outrage caused by Mbappé, who referred to a meme comparing him to the former Chinese leader, describing him as a “Chinese dictator”. Mourinho felt that offending someone is one of the “dangers of today’s world”.

## The controversy in China

The incident took place during a conversation on the French programme The Bridge, where Mbappé, 27, revealed that the meme that had made him laugh the most was a video showing his image superimposed on Mao’s.

The scene provoked a wave of criticism on social media, especially in China, leading several Chinese brands to terminate their contracts with the player.

## Mourinho’s response

At the press conference, Mourinho said: “These are the dangers of today’s world, where often the best thing you can do is keep your mouth shut, because there is danger in so many of the things that are said or commented on.” The Portuguese manager stressed, however, that Mbappé acted “very responsibly” and showed “true class” in acknowledging the impact of his words.

After the wave of criticism, Mbappé issued an apology, saying he now understands that his words “hurt many people in China and in Chinese communities around the world”.

Mourinho, who won La Liga in 2011-12 with Real, was also asked about concerns over being misrepresented by fake videos generated by artificial intelligence. He replied: “I don’t worry. My club is Real Madrid, and my player is Kylian Mbappé. Both showed the class to react immediately, and I feel very well represented by both.”

With the situation still developing, Mbappé’s swift response and the manager’s support could have a significant impact on how the team and the player are perceived in Europe and in China, where the relationship with fans is crucial to commercial and sporting success.