Mbappe’s China controversy adds to a season of political disputes and public backlash

Kylian Mbappe’s involvement in a major dispute with China has intensified scrutiny of the Real Madrid forward, with the fallout also affecting sponsors, the club and La Liga.

The controversy began during an interview in which Mbappe said one of his favourite satirical images was a manipulated picture showing his face on that of a “Chinese dictator” – an apparent reference, though he did not name him, to former leader Mao Zedong.

The incident was examined by Xavier Bosch, the Catalan-born Spanish writer, journalist and novelist, in an article for Mundo Deportivo published on Thursday. Its headline described Mbappe as being caught up in disputes involving Ceuta, Catalans and China.

Bosch portrayed the episode as the latest in a series of diplomatic and political difficulties involving Mbappe over the past two months. He wrote that, almost unintentionally, the France international had found himself in a serious dispute with China and a number of Chinese sponsors.

The consequences, Bosch argued, went beyond damage to Mbappe’s public image and finances. He said the situation had also put significant revenue for Real Madrid and La Liga at risk.

The author noted that Mbappe had not created the image himself, but had simply said it was the one he found funniest. Bosch suggested the humour lay both in the image and in the reaction to it, while arguing that authoritarian systems do not accept being described as authoritarian and have little sense of humour.

So far, quick apologies from Mbappe, Real Madrid and La Liga president Javier Tebas have failed to calm the reaction in China, according to Bosch.

The forward had also been drawn into controversy over Ceuta after partially wearing a shirt alongside Eduardo Camavinga and Vinicius Junior bearing the words “We are all Ceuta” in a show of solidarity with the Spanish territory.

Mbappe said he stood with the people of Ceuta and was not opposed to them. He explained that his intention had been to support migrants who had lost their lives.

He then described his position as neutral, saying that before being a footballer, he was a human being and that he preferred not to distinguish between different instances of suffering.

Bosch also referred to an exchange involving Real Madrid official Chendo, who told Mbappe that Catalans are called “Poles” – a reference to the derogatory term used against people from Catalonia. The writer described it as an introductory lesson in anti-Catalan sentiment.

The article concluded by suggesting Mbappe’s year could become increasingly eventful. Alongside his continued wait for a first title with Real Madrid, Bosch noted that Kane had won the Ballon d’Or and that supporters at the Bernabeu had booed Mbappe after mistakes.

“A player scores 14 goals in 12 matches and then gets booed,” Bosch wrote. “What rich material for satire.”