Mao Zedong controversy: Mourinho defends Mbappé as Chinese TV continues to suspend La Liga

José Mourinho defended Kylian Mbappé on October 31, 2026, at a press conference in Spain ahead of Real Madrid’s match against Racing Santander. Asked about the controversy in China over Mbappé’s remarks about Mao Zedong, he said the player and the club had responded promptly and considered the matter closed. Mourinho also described Mbappé as intelligent and mature. Despite public apologies from Mbappé on October 27 and Real Madrid on October 28, CCTV did not broadcast La Liga matches that weekend.