Kylian Mbappé Apologizes to China After Mao Zedong Comment Prompts Boycotts
The controversy cost the Real Madrid forward multiple lucrative endorsements and led Chinese state television to pull Spanish soccer broadcasts from the air.
Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé issued a public apology after video from a French podcast showed him calling Mao Zedong a dictator. The comments prompted Chinese television networks to suspend Spanish soccer matches and led several Chinese sponsors to cancel endorsement deals.
The footage came from an appearance connected to the French podcast The Bridge. The 27-year-old French captain discussed online memes of himself. One image placed his face onto the former Chinese leader.
Mbappé published statements in English, French and Chinese to address the controversy. He stated that his remark was ill-judged and caused distress to Chinese communities worldwide. He offered a sincere apology and affirmed his deep respect for Chinese people and their history.
Chinese commercial partners responded by ending their relationships with the player. Energy drink maker Dongpeng Beverage announced an immediate end to all cooperation. The firm said it holds a zero-tolerance stance against actions that offend national sentiment.
Mengniu Dairy and cheese manufacturer Milkground also severed ties with the soccer star. Mengniu said it opposes any conduct that hurts the feelings of the Chinese populace. Real Madrid declined to comment on the matter.
The Chinese Football Association filed a stern protest with Real Madrid. The association demanded that the Spanish club and Mbappé issue formal public apologies.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun addressed the dispute during a regular press briefing. Guo said actions or statements hurting the feelings of Chinese citizens face opposition across Chinese society.
China Media Group and state broadcaster CCTV halted televised coverage of Spain's La Liga. The broadcasters also removed commercial advertisements featuring the forward. Regulators have not announced conditions or dates for restoring matches to Chinese screens.
Satirical depictions of Mao, who governed China from 1949 until his death in 1976, remain strictly taboo in the country. Online soccer fans previously circulated memes placing Mbappé on historical rulers to mock his perceived influence over team decisions.
Before the incident, Mbappé enjoyed broad popularity in China, where supporters gave him the nickname Guigui, meaning turtle. His image appeared widely on billboards, subways and television programs across the country.
The dispute echoes a 2019 clash when Chinese television removed NBA games. That suspension followed a social media post supporting Hong Kong protesters by Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey.
La Liga said it deeply regretted the offense to Chinese fans. The league stressed that the player spoke in a personal capacity and noted plans to protect ties with Chinese partners.
La Liga announced it will develop a new player communication protocol with Chinese partners to prevent similar incidents. Questions also remain over Mbappé's other international endorsement deals in China, including toy maker Lego.
