Mbappe Apologizes to China After Mao Meme Remarks Cost Him Sponsors

Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe apologized on Tuesday after remarks about former Chinese leader Mao Zedong led several sponsors to drop him and drew criticism from Chinese state television. The dispute unfolded the day after the 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony at the London Palladium, where Mbappe went home without the award.

The controversy began when Mbappe appeared on the French talk show "The Bridge" and discussed internet memes about himself. He said the one that made him laugh the most was a video of a man he believed to be a Chinese dictator. The clip also showed his face placed on an image resembling Mao.

The joke has a background. Memes have long linked Mbappe to the word "dictator", a nod to his influence in the sport and the way he deals with teammates and other players. During the 2026 World Cup, 2025 Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembele called him "Mbappe Mobut", a reference to Mobutu, who ruled the Democratic Republic of Congo for more than 30 years. In September, Mbappe told France Football he understood the jokes but felt they "sometimes reveal a lack of political and human awareness among people."

Two Chinese brands with deals involving the player responded sharply. Mengniu, the country's largest dairy producer, said it "firmly opposes and has a zero-tolerance policy towards any words or actions that hurt the feelings of the Chinese people." Drinks company Dongpeng later issued its own statement opposing any behavior that offends national sentiments. The state-owned Global Times reported that CCTV's apps will not carry news about the player and that the broadcaster will stop streaming LaLiga matches.

Mao founded the People's Republic of China in 1949 and led the Communist Party until his death in 1976. The party still governs the country and regards jokes and memes about him as an insult to the party and the nation. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said words and deeds that hurt the feelings of the Chinese people "will naturally be met with opposition from all sectors of Chinese society."

In his statement, Mbappe said his comment on the image "was not appropriate" and that he now realizes it hurt many people in China and in Chinese communities worldwide. He apologized to those he upset, said that was never his intention, and expressed "deep respect for the Chinese people and their history."

LaLiga also apologized on behalf of itself and its clubs, saying the comments were made in a personal capacity and do not represent the league. It said it is working with partners and counterparts in China and will introduce an awareness and communication protocol with clubs and players to promote respect for different cultures. LaLiga president Javier Tebas wrote on X that he "cannot allow the actions of an individual to tarnish this relationship" or harm the more than 20 clubs in the professional leagues and millions of Chinese fans.

Real Madrid likewise apologized to the Chinese people for any discomfort caused by its player's words. The club said it joins Mbappe's public apology, holds deep respect for China, its history and its culture, and hopes to keep strengthening its bonds with the country and its citizens.