Rabat – Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe has apologized to the Chinese public after comments about former Chinese leader Mao Zedong sparked widespread backlash on social media and reportedly led two Chinese companies to terminate their commercial partnerships with the French international.
The controversy erupted after a clip from an appearance on The Bridge podcast, hosted by Mbappe’s Real Madrid teammate Aurelien Tchouameni, circulated on Chinese social media platforms.
During the interview, Mbappe was asked about his favorite meme. He jokingly described a manipulated image combining his face with that of Mao Zedong, explaining that he frequently shared it with friends while playing online games. He also referred to Mao as the “Chinese dictator.”
The remarks triggered criticism on Chinese social media, particularly Weibo, where users accused the French forward of disrespecting China’s history and the feelings of its people.
Chinese football platform Dongqiudi also criticized the comments, arguing that they had offended Chinese fans and football supporters across the country.
Chinese sponsors end partnerships
The controversy quickly spread beyond social media, raising questions about the impact on Mbappe’s commercial interests in one of Asia’s largest markets.
According to reports, Chinese beverage company Dongpeng announced the termination of its sponsorship agreement with the French forward. The company reportedly stressed its opposition to actions that disrespect national symbols.
Mengniu, a Chinese dairy and food products company, also ended its commercial partnership with the Real Madrid player over the controversy.
Meanwhile, local reports indicated that videos featuring Mbappe’s interviews and goals had been removed from some Chinese digital platforms. Other reports suggested that companies could seek financial compensation, although these claims had not been independently confirmed.
The backlash came just hours after Mbappe finished second in the 2026 Ballon d’Or race, which English striker Harry Kane won in London on Monday, October 26.
La Liga apologizes to Chinese fans
The controversy also reached Spanish football, with China’s state broadcaster CCTV reportedly suspending broadcasts of La Liga matches and removing advertisements and promotional videos associated with Mbappe, according to Chinese newspaper The Paper.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun also warned that statements and actions that hurt the feelings of the Chinese people would face rejection across Chinese society.
In response to the controversy, La Liga issued a statement on Tuesday expressing regret over the French forward’s comments and apologizing to China on behalf of Spanish football.
“La Liga deeply regrets the offense caused to Chinese fans by Kylian Mbappe’s recent comments,” the organization said.
The league added that Mbappe had made the remarks in his personal capacity and that they did not represent La Liga’s position.
“Within the limits of our institutional responsibility, we offer our apologies on behalf of La Liga and all its clubs,” the statement added.
Mbappe expresses regret
Following the backlash and reported commercial consequences, Mbappe issued an apology acknowledging that his comments had been inappropriate and had offended people in China and Chinese communities around the world.
“In a recent interview, I commented on an image of myself that had been circulating. This comment was inappropriate, and I now realize that it may have hurt many people in China and within the Chinese community around the world,” the French forward said.
“I apologize to anyone who felt offended by my words. That was never my intention. I have deep respect for the Chinese people and their history, and I am sincerely sorry,” he added.
The apology came as the controversy continued to affect the forward’s commercial relationships and prompted a response from La Liga.
It remains unclear whether the apology will ease the backlash or lead to the restoration of his commercial partnerships in China.
