France football chief backs Real Madrid’s Mbappe after China apology

What the report says

French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo has publicly backed Kylian Mbappe amid a dispute over remarks the Real Madrid and France captain made in a French podcast that drew criticism in China. According to Al Jazeera’s report, Mbappe referred to Mao Zedong as a dictator while discussing an online meme, then apologised and said he did not intend to cause offence.

Diallo said the issue should not drag on and that Mbappe should be allowed to continue his season after explaining the context of the comment. The report also notes that Real Madrid and Spain’s La Liga have apologised, while La Liga president Javier Tebas reportedly created a crisis unit and met China’s ambassador to Spain as football authorities tried to limit the fallout.

The controversy matters because it has implications beyond sport. Al Jazeera reported that Chinese state media and broadcasters reacted strongly, with one broadcaster not showing Real Madrid’s match at Racing Santander and several Chinese companies ending cooperation with Mbappe. The episode highlights how sensitive political references can affect athletes and commercial ties in the Chinese market.

The article also provides background that satire involving Mao and modern China remains a taboo in China, helping explain why the comments prompted such a strong response. A spokesman for China’s foreign ministry said the apology was being taken seriously.