Mourinho backs Mbappe after backlash over Mao remark

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho says that players should sometimes keep quiet to avoid offending people, following a heavy backlash against striker Kylian Mbappe. Mbappe faced widespread criticism after laughing at an internet meme on a French talk show that compared him to late Chinese leader Mao Zedong. The forward later issued an apology on Tuesday, admitting his remarks were ill-judged and acknowledging that they hurt many people in China and Chinese communities globally. Mourinho praised the 27-year-old French player for acting very responsibly and showing true class by quickly saying sorry.

Context

Public figures in sport often face intense global scrutiny on social media where casual comments can quickly trigger international controversies and commercial consequences. Footballers represent massive global brands, meaning clubs and managers must frequently navigate the fallout of off-field remarks made by their star players.