Mbappé Apologizes After China Backlash Over Mao ‘Dictator’ Joke

​Real Madrid and France forward Kylian Mbappé has issued a formal apology across multiple languages after a viral video sparked a massive backlash in China, resulting in lucrative sponsorship cancellations and a suspension of La Liga broadcasts.

​The controversy erupted after a clip circulated online showing the 27-year-old footballer discussing an internet meme where his face had been digitally superimposed onto historical figures. Referring to an image featuring the founding leader of the People’s Republic of China, Mao Zedong, Mbappé remarked that it depicted “some guy – I think he’s a Chinese dictator”.

​While online football fan communities frequently use “dictator” memes as a tongue-in-cheek nod to Mbappé’s dominant on-pitch presence and authority, the remarks struck a raw nerve in China, where Mao remains a deeply revered and politically sensitive figure.

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​Swift Corporate and Institutional Fallout

​The fallout was immediate:

• ​Sponsorships Severed: Major Chinese brands—including beverage giant Dongpeng Beverage, dairy producer Mengniu, and cheese maker Milkground—swiftly terminated their partnerships with the player, citing a zero-tolerance policy toward behavior that offends national sentiments. Global luxury and athletic labels also scrubbed promotional content featuring Mbappé from Chinese platforms like Weibo.

• ​Broadcast Suspensions: State-run media reported that public television networks suspended broadcasts of La Liga matches.
• ​Official Rebuke: China’s foreign ministry weighed in on the controversy, stating that actions hurting the feelings of the Chinese people naturally face unanimous societal rejection. La Liga also distanced itself, issuing an apology and clarifying that Mbappé’s remarks were made strictly in a personal capacity.

​Mbappé’s Apology

​Facing intense pressure and trending atop Weibo charts with hundreds of millions of views, Mbappé released a statement in French, Mandarin, and English to express remorse.

​”My comment was ill-judged, and I now understand that it hurt many people in China and in Chinese communities around the world,” Mbappé said. “I apologize to everyone my words have upset. This was absolutely not my intention. I have deep respect for the Chinese people and their history, and I am sincerely sorry.”

​The diplomatic crisis caps off a difficult week for the French captain, who also finished runner-up to Harry Kane for the men’s Ballon d’Or.