Brief
Kylian Mbappé apologises after Chinese backlash over Mao meme
The striker’s comment sparked a boycott, three Chinese sponsorships ended and Real Madrid faced pressure over its China broadcast deal.
By Felo News Desk · Published
French soccer star Kylian Mbappé issued a public apology on Tuesday after a viral meme that superimposed his face on that of Mao Zedong provoked a backlash in China, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
What happened
During an interview with the French online talk show The Bridge, Mbappé said he found a meme comparing him to “some guy — I think he’s a Chinese dictator” amusing and used it with friends. The clip, posted in April, showed his face on Mao’s body. After the video resurfaced, Chinese netizens condemned the perceived mockery of the country’s founding father.
What the reports add
The article notes that at least three Chinese companies – Dongpeng, Mengniu and Milkground – terminated their advertising contracts with Mbappé. It also mentions that LaLiga is managing damage control to protect a broadcast deal in China estimated at more than $160 million a year.
What was said
Mbappé’s apology, quoted in the piece, described his comment as “ill‑judged” and expressed “deep respect for the Chinese people and their history.” A Weibo user wrote, “How is this scumbag even allowed to have an account? How dare he insult the great man on our banknotes.” Another user on the account of electronics giant Hisense demanded the termination of his contract with Real Madrid.
How it came about
The incident follows a pattern of Chinese authorities and companies reacting strongly to perceived political slights. The article references the 2019 NBA‑China fallout after Daryl Morey’s Hong Kong tweet, which led to a six‑year suspension of NBA games on Chinese television before a limited return in 2025.
Key facts
- Mbappé joked about a meme that likened him to Mao Zedong (smh.com.au)
- Three Chinese firms – Dongpeng, Mengniu and Milkground – ended sponsorship deals with him (smh.com.au)
- Mbappé issued an apology describing his comment as ill‑judged (smh.com.au)
- LaLiga is trying to protect a $160 million‑plus China broadcast deal (smh.com.au)
- Chinese social media users called for boycotts and demanded contract termination (smh.com.au)
Sources
- [1] smh.com.au — originally reported as “Kylian Mbappé: French superstar’s ‘dictator Mao’ meme ignites fury in China”
