GOAL said reactions continued after Kylian Mbappé became involved in a controversy linked to remarks about a satirical image referring to Mao Zedong and other political disputes. The outlet said Mbappé had become involved in a major crisis with China.
How the controversy began
GOAL said the spark dated back to an interview in which Mbappé said one of his favourite satirical images is a composite picture of his face on the face of a "Chinese dictator". GOAL said that was a clear reference, without naming him, to former leader Mao Zedong. GOAL said Mbappé did not create the image and had simply said it was the one he found the funniest.
Article published on Thursday
GOAL said Xavier Bosch published an article in Mundo Deportivo on Thursday under the title: "Kylian Mbappé gets caught up between the crises of Ceuta, the Catalans, and China".
Mbappé's response
GOAL said that when Mbappé, alongside Konaté and Vinícius, partly wore a shirt bearing the words "We are all Ceuta" in solidarity with Ceuta, he had to address the ongoing controversy.
He explained that he felt solidarity with the people of Ceuta, and that he was not against them, but only wanted to show his support for the migrants who lost their lives.
GOAL said he then presented himself as neutral, declaring that before being a footballer, he is a human being, and that he preferred not to distinguish between different cases of suffering.
Other details cited by GOAL
GOAL said swift apologies from Mbappé, Real Madrid and Tebas had so far failed to calm the Chinese reaction.
GOAL said Chendo, described as a Real Madrid official, told Mbappé that the Catalans are called "Poles".
GOAL said Mbappé has scored 14 goals in 12 matches.
