Diallo urges focus to return to Mbappe’s football after China remarks

French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo has defended Kylian Mbappe over comments linked to Mao Zedong and China, saying the Real Madrid forward’s explanation and apology should bring the dispute to an end.

Mbappe, captain of France, has faced criticism over remarks interpreted as referring to Mao Zedong and China. The French Football Federation is monitoring the situation because of the player’s position within the national team and the possible impact on its commercial partnerships with Chinese organisations.

Those arrangements include existing contracts between the federation and Chinese partners, making the dispute a matter of wider concern for the organisation.

Speaking to Ouest-France in comments reported by Foot Mercato, Diallo said he did not believe Mbappe had intended to offend either a Chinese leader or the Chinese people.

“I saw that there was controversy surrounding Kylian, and perhaps it was greater than it should have been, because I do not believe that he wanted in any way to damage the image of a Chinese leader or insult the Chinese people,” said Diallo.

The federation president added that Mbappe had already provided the context behind his words and expressed regret.

“It is a controversy that should not continue, and I hope it does not, because Kylian explained clearly the context in which those comments were made,” said Diallo. “He apologised, and I believe that should be enough now so that he can continue his season in the best possible conditions.”

Diallo’s comments are intended to help contain the dispute and draw a line under a row that has extended beyond questions about Mbappe himself. The issue has also raised concerns about the French Football Federation’s relationship with its commercial partners in China.

The federation continues to follow developments closely, with Mbappe’s status as France captain adding to the sensitivity surrounding the matter. Diallo believes the player’s clarification and apology should now allow attention to return to his football rather than the remarks.

Mbappe’s Real Madrid commitments include a La Liga match against Racing Santander on 01 November 2026. France are also scheduled to face Italy in the first path of the UEFA Nations League on 12 November 2026.