Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has come out in support of Kylian Mbappé over the uproar from the forward’s comments about China. He said both Mbappé and the club acted with class and did what was needed to clear the air.
Mourinho mentioned that he felt represented by the reactions of Mbappé and Real Madrid. He added that after issuing an apology to the Chinese people, the club had no further role to play in the situation.
At a press conference on Saturday, before Real Madrid's match against Racing Santander, Mourinho said the incident showed the risks of making public statements today.
“With this situation involving China, these are the dangers of today’s world. Sometimes the best thing you can do is keep your mouth shut because there’s danger in many things you say or comment on,” Mourinho told reporters.
He praised Mbappé and Real Madrid for their quick responses, saying it showed 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 added that he saw a strong sense of responsibility from the club and felt the matter was handled well.
“I’ve seen a lot of responsibility from a club which, at this level, is a club of great class. 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 issue started from Mbappé's comments about a meme with his face on former Chinese leader Mao Zedong's image. This led to backlash in China, prompting Mbappé, Real Madrid, and La Liga to apologize.
Mourinho also defended Mbappé’s character, calling the 27-year-old intelligent and mature. He praised how Mbappé handled finishing second to 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 won the award, while Mbappé was in second place. Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham came in 11th.
Mourinho said he was happy for Kane, who he coached at Tottenham Hotspur, even though he felt disappointed that Mbappé did not win.
“I had the privilege of working with Harry. He’s a great player, a great professional, and a great person,” he said.
“Inside the frustration that my player (Mbappé) didn’t win, I have to be honest and say I’m very happy for Harry. He’s a player and a boy who deserves it.”
The Real Madrid manager was surprised by Bellingham’s ranking, saying the midfielder’s 11th-place finish left him shocked.
“What left me with my mouth open in surprise was Jude Bellingham 11th, no comments,” he said.
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