Key Takeaways:
- Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe apologised to the Chinese public after reactions to his meme-related comment
- Chinese television suspended La Liga broadcasts in response to the incident
- Several Chinese sponsors, including Dongpeng, Mengniu and Milkground, ended their partnerships with Mbappe
Background to the Controversy
Kylian Mbappe found himself at the centre of controversy after making remarks about a meme that depicted his face superimposed onto that of Mao Zedong. The forward’s commentary, intended as light-hearted, drew widespread criticism, particularly among Chinese audiences and communities globally.
🇫🇷🇨🇳 Two big Chinese brands have dropped French soccer star Kylian Mbappé after a video appeared to show him calling dictator Mao Zedong a “dictator.”
Drinks maker Dongpeng and dairy giant Mengniu ended their sponsorship deals, accusing him of hurting "Chinese national feelings."
Mao founded Communist China in 1949 and is still honored there.
— NewsForce (@Newsforce) October 27, 2026
Mbappe’s Apology and Response
In a statement released on social media, Mbappe conceded that his reaction to the image was inappropriate and recognised the offence it caused. He addressed his comments directly, stating:
“During a recent interview, I reacted to an image featuring myself. My comment was ill-judged, and I now understand that it hurt many people in China and in Chinese communities around the world,” Mbappe wrote.
He continued:
“I apologise to everyone my words have upset. That was absolutely not my intention. I have deep respect for the Chinese people and their history, and I am sincerely sorry.”
Wider Impact on La Liga and Sponsorships
The fallout from the incident extended beyond Mbappe’s personal apology. Chinese television responded by suspending all La Liga match broadcasts, significantly impacting the visibility of the league within China. Furthermore, major Chinese brands, including Dongpeng, Mengniu and Milkground, publicly withdrew sponsorship deals with Mbappe.
La Liga president Javier Tebas also commented on the situation, offering an apology to the Chinese people on behalf of the organisation, acknowledging the unintended offence, and confirming that the league was collaborating with its Chinese partners to address the matter. The league introduced a new cultural awareness and communication protocol for clubs and players as a remedial measure.
| Event | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Mbappe’s Meme Comment | Widespread backlash in China |
| Chinese Television Response | Suspension of La Liga broadcasts |
| Sponsors (Dongpeng, Mengniu, Milkground) | Termination of partnerships with Mbappe |
| La Liga Response | Presidential apology; launch of cultural communication protocol |
Efforts to Rebuild Relationships
Mbappe’s apology marks a key step in addressing the controversy as La Liga and Real Madrid work to repair their relationships with Chinese fans and broadcasters. The newly announced cultural awareness initiatives aim to prevent further misunderstandings and reinforce respectful communication, reflecting the league’s commitment to its international audience.
