OUR PART OF MBAPPE, CHINA ISSUE OVER – REAL MADRID’S MOURINHO

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho says the club considers its response to the controversy surrounding Kylian Mbappe’s comments about former Chinese leader Mao Zedong complete after issuing apologies.

Speaking on Saturday, Mourinho praised both Mbappe and Madrid for responding quickly to the backlash.

“We’ve done our part, there’s nothing more for us to do,” he said.

The controversy followed an interview in which Mbappe discussed an internet meme showing his face edited onto an image apparently depicting Mao. His description of the former leader drew criticism in China.

Mbappe, Real Madrid and La Liga subsequently apologised. However, Chinese state television removed Spanish football from its schedules, while two major brands in China dropped the forward.

Mourinho said the episode highlighted how public comments could carry consequences, particularly when shared widely online.

He also praised Mbappe’s response to finishing second behind Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane at Monday’s Ballon d’Or ceremony.

The coach described the French forward as intelligent and mature, saying he had shown respect for Kane despite his disappointment.

Mourinho questioned Jude Bellingham’s 11th-place finish, suggesting the midfielder deserved a higher ranking.

Nevertheless, he welcomed Kane’s success, having worked with the England captain at Tottenham.

“Inside the frustration that my player didn’t win, I have to be honest and say I’m very happy for Harry,” he said.