Mbappe backed by US lawmaker after China backlash over Mao comments

Kylian Mbappe has received unexpected support from the United States after comments about former Chinese leader Mao Zedong triggered a political and commercial backlash in China.

John Moolenaar, chairman of the US House Select Committee on China, said the Real Madrid forward had no reason to apologise for describing Mao as a dictator.

The intervention has added a new dimension to the dispute, placing Mbappe’s remarks within the wider political tensions between Washington and Beijing, according to French outlet Foot Mercato.

The controversy began after a video was published in which Mbappe referred to Mao as a dictator. The reaction in China quickly escalated, with several Chinese brands ending their partnerships with the France captain.

The Chinese Football Association also lodged a protest, while a Chinese media group called for a public apology from Real Madrid and held the club responsible for the player’s comments.

Real Madrid, La Liga president Javier Tebas and Mbappe have all since issued statements apologising to China in an attempt to ease the dispute, which has developed over the past two days.

Moolenaar took a sharply different position, criticising what he regards as a willingness to give in to the Chinese government in order to protect commercial interests.

In a statement issued by the House Select Committee on China, the Republican representative for Michigan defended Mbappe and said: “Global football star Kylian Mbappe should not apologise for calling Mao Zedong a dictator. Mao was a dictator, and he inflicted more harm on the Chinese people than any comment a football player could make.”

He added: “His dictatorship and disastrous policies killed tens of millions of Chinese people during the Cultural Revolution, the Great Famine and other atrocities.”

Moolenaar also condemned the companies that had distanced themselves from Mbappe, arguing that their response had been driven by business concerns.

“The real shame in this story is the companies that rush to apologise so they can continue doing business in China,” he said.

The US support contrasts with the response from Real Madrid and Spanish football authorities, who have sought to contain the fallout through their apologies. The episode has left Mbappe at the centre of a dispute extending well beyond football, with his comments prompting reactions from sporting bodies, commercial partners and political figures.