Real Madrid Legend on Mbappe-China Scandal: 'They Think They Rule the World'

Real Madrid legend Jose Antonio Camacho has warned Kylian Mbappe and the Spanish giants over the potential fallout from an escalating controversy in China, advising them to secure top legal representation. The former player and manager weighed in on the French superstar's situation after his remarks about an internet meme sparked severe backlash across the Asian nation. Camacho is familiar with the landscape, having spent two years in charge of the Chinese national team.

The controversy was triggered by an interview Mbappe gave on a French television show, in which he was asked about his favourite meme of himself. The forward pointed to an image featuring his face superimposed onto the body of former Chinese leader Mao Zedong. Mbappe mentioned using such images in chats with friends and referred to the communist leader as a "dictator"—a label that provoked a fierce reaction in China.

"They always tell you that you must adapt to their rules. They do things their way and believe they rule the world, so it is never easy," Camacho explained on a Spanish show, recalling high-level meetings with officials such as the sports minister, where this philosophy was made clear to him.

The fallout has already caused significant repercussions. Several Chinese companies have severed commercial ties with the forward, while state television has suspended La Liga broadcasts. Both La Liga and Real Madrid have issued apologies to the Chinese audience, and Mbappe himself acknowledged that his comments were ill-considered and caused widespread offence.