Diallo says China backlash against Mbappe is a little exaggerated
French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo defended Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe on Thursday, saying the backlash over his comments about China was “a little exaggerated”.
The 27‑year‑old attacker also delivered an exceptional performance in the recent Clasico, but the match was quickly eclipsed by the controversy involving China. His display was praised by pundits, yet the off‑field issue dominated headlines.
Mbappe issued a public apology for the remarks that sparked the dispute. Nevertheless, criticism persisted and the episode has already begun to affect both his personal earnings and the club’s finances. Diallo referred to Mbappe as the France captain when addressing the backlash.
President Philippe Diallo told Ouest‑France that the uproar had been blown out of proportion. He said, “I have seen this controversy, which is certainly a little exaggerated.”
Diallo added that Mbappe did not intend to damage the image of a Chinese leader or to insult the Chinese people. He stressed that the player’s comments were taken out of context.
The dispute originated after the 2026 Ballon d’Or runner‑up appeared in a podcast where an internet meme superimposed his face onto that of Mao Zedong. The clip quickly went viral, prompting the backlash.
Both Mbappe and Real Madrid subsequently apologised, and Diallo said the explanation should be sufficient. He urged that the matter be put behind them so the striker can continue his season in the best possible conditions.
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Financial fallout for Real Madrid
Three Chinese companies have terminated their sponsorship agreements with Mbappe. State broadcaster China Media Group has also suspended its La Liga coverage.
Club concerns and managerial reaction
Jose Mourinho is reportedly displeased with the length of the controversy, fearing it could distract his squad. He has warned that prolonged attention could affect the team’s focus.
Real Madrid own a share of Mbappe’s image rights, meaning the club stands to lose revenue as the sponsorship deals disappear. The financial hit adds pressure to the club’s already busy schedule.
Diallo’s defence has resonated with many, offering a welcome boost to the Los Blancos talisman as the issue drags on for several days. Supporters hope the situation will soon be resolved.
The club’s priority now is to mitigate the financial impact and safeguard its diplomatic ties with China. Management is focusing on damage control while preparing for upcoming fixtures.
With key matches looming, Mourinho does not want the saga to become a further distraction for his players. The team’s focus remains on delivering results on the pitch.
How Mbappe navigates the fallout and whether the controversy will subside remain uncertain.