Mbappé controversy in China: Ruffin defends Real Madrid striker, victim of 'Chinese capitalism and nationalism'

French politician François Ruffin defended Mbappé after he apologized for comments about Mao Zedong, criticizing Chinese pressure on the player.

Kylian Mbappé faced backlash in China after making a joke about Mao Zedong during a private conversation. Under pressure from sponsors, La Liga, and Real Madrid, the France captain quickly issued a public apology to protect economic interests in the Asian market.

François Ruffin, a French politician and 2027 presidential candidate, publicly defended Mbappé on Friday, arguing the footballer was a victim of "Chinese capitalism and Chinese nationalism." Ruffin criticized the pressure that forced Mbappé to retract his remarks and noted that while Mao Zedong was indeed a dictator who established authoritarian rule, he was also the founder of modern China—though Ruffin emphasized this historical role does not excuse the millions of deaths under his regime.