Mbappé Apologizes Over Mao Remark as Three Chinese Brands End Partnerships

Dragon Media Correspondent

Kylian Mbappé, the Real Madrid and France star, has apologized for a controversial remark linked to Mao Zedong. Following the comment, three Chinese companies ended their commercial partnerships with him, while state broadcaster CCTV said it would stop airing La Liga matches.

In a recently released video, Mbappé discussed an internet meme featuring his face alongside an image of a Chinese “dictator.” Although he did not mention Mao by name, the meme was understood to refer to Mao Zedong, prompting criticism in China.

After the controversy, Chinese beverage company Dongpeng, dairy company Mengniu and cheese producer Milkground ended their collaborations with Mbappé. Dongpeng said it had “zero tolerance” for conduct that hurts national sentiment.

CCTV, part of China Media Group, said it would not broadcast La Liga matches or advertisements featuring Mbappé. Sports broadcasts and sponsorships in China have been affected in the past after foreign athletes or organizations commented on politically sensitive issues.

As the controversy grew, Mbappé said on social media that his comment had been “a mistake.” He expressed regret for hurting the feelings of Chinese people and Chinese communities around the world, and said he had deep respect for the Chinese people and their history.

La Liga also apologized to Chinese fans. Its president, Javier Tebas, said Mbappé’s comment was a personal one. He said the league would develop new protocols on cultural sensitivity and communications to protect its relationship with China.

The video, filmed last April, went viral on social media after it was released by the French football podcast The Bridge. State-run outlet China Daily described the incident as a reminder of the limits of celebrity influence. Another state-run outlet, Global Times, said China could not be disrespected while seeking commercial gains there.

According to the report, Chinese state television has suspended broadcasts of matches and programs featuring Mbappé for the time being and removed his advertisements. The issue has sparked widespread debate on Chinese social media platform Weibo, where some users have called for him to be blacklisted.

A spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry said it was natural for people across China to jointly oppose statements or actions that hurt the feelings of the Chinese people.

The incident highlights how even globally renowned athletes must navigate political and cultural sensitivities in China’s vast market. For Mbappé, the remark has carried a significant commercial cost.