Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé has apologised to the Chinese people following a backlash over comments he made during an interview about an internet meme featuring former Chinese leader Mao Zedong.
The France captain issued a public statement on Tuesday, October 27, acknowledging that his remarks were inappropriate and had hurt people in China and Chinese communities around the world.
“During a recent interview, I reacted to an image of myself. 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.
He added: “I apologise 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 controversy followed the circulation of a video in which Mbappé discussed memes featuring his image, including one that superimposed his face onto the body of Mao, the founding leader of the People’s Republic of China.
The remarks triggered criticism on Chinese social media, with several companies subsequently ending their commercial partnerships with the French footballer.
Beverage maker Dongpeng, dairy company Mengniu and cheese producer Milkground were among the firms reported to have cut ties with Mbappé, citing opposition to comments or actions considered offensive to national sentiment.
The fallout has also put the relationship between Spanish football and its Chinese audience under pressure. Reports indicated that China’s state broadcaster, CCTV, suspended LaLiga broadcasts amid the controversy, while league president Javier Tebas also expressed regret over the offence caused.
The incident comes just days after Mbappé finished second in the 2026 Ballon d’Or voting, behind England captain Harry Kane.
