Mbappé apologizes “sincerely” after facing pressure from all sides in China to drop him over “Mao Zedong insult” controversy

[Financial News] French-born global soccer star Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid) has bowed his head in apology after mocking Mao Zedong, the former Chinese president, and calling him a “dictator,” prompting a backlash in China and calls to drop him. Facing pressure on all fronts as Chinese sponsors terminated their deals one after another and the state broadcaster stopped airing matches, he issued an official apology in three languages.

According to foreign media including The Associated Press on the 27th (local time), the controversy erupted after a video of a recent interview Mbappé gave to a French outlet spread on social media, including X.
In the video, when asked which internet meme made using his face he found funniest, Mbappé picked an image with his face superimposed on the body of Mao Zedong wearing a blue Mao suit and replied, “I think this guy was a dictator in China.” He then laughed it off, saying, “I often use that meme when I play games with my friends.” Because of his strong opinions and influence within his team, so-called “dictator memes” combining Mbappé with authoritarian rulers from around the world are widely used among soccer fans. He had simply made lighthearted use of one as a subject for a joke.

After the remarks became known, fierce criticism erupted on Chinese social media, with users saying, “He hurt the national feelings of the Chinese people.” Worried about being caught up in the backlash, Chinese sponsors immediately moved to cut ties. Dairy company Mengniu, beverage maker Dongfeng and cheese maker Milkground each issued statements opposing “any words or actions that hurt the sentiments of the Chinese public” and announced the end of their partnerships with Mbappé. Social media platform Xiaohongshu also said it would delete related promotional materials.
The fallout also spread to sports broadcasting rights. Since the previous day, China Central Television (CCTV), the state broadcaster, has completely suspended broadcasts of Spain’s LaLiga and matches involving Mbappé’s club, Real Madrid, and taken down all related advertisements.
The Chinese government also issued a public warning. At a regular briefing that day, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Zhaokun responded to a question about Mbappé, warning, “Words or actions that hurt the feelings of the Chinese people will naturally draw collective rejection from all sectors of Chinese society.”

As the situation spiraled out of control, LaLiga president Javier Tebas sent a letter to China Media Group (CMG), which includes CCTV, saying, “We deeply regret that Mbappé’s personal remarks caused concern among Chinese fans,” in an effort to defuse tensions. CMG, however, held firm, saying, “There can be no discussion unless a proper apology is offered first. LaLiga and Real Madrid—and Mbappé himself in particular—must promptly issue a public apology.”
Mbappé’s side eventually issued an official apology in French, Chinese and English that day. Mbappé apologized, saying, “I fully understand that my remarks in a recent interview were inappropriate and careless, and that they hurt many people in China and in Chinese communities around the world.” He added, “I sincerely apologize to everyone hurt by my words, and I have deep respect for the Chinese people and their history.”
In response to the apology, a CMG official said, “We look more at actions than words,” adding, “We hope he learns a clear lesson from this and repents for his mistake.”
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