La Liga and Mbappé apologize after Chinese boycott over controversial comments

La Liga and Mbappé apologized after Chinese state broadcaster CCTV pulled the league off air following the Real Madrid forward's controversial meme comments about Mao Zedong.

La Liga and Kylian Mbappé issued formal apologies after sparking outrage in China over comments the Real Madrid forward made while discussing his favorite internet meme. In an interview, Mbappé selected a meme featuring his own face superimposed on an image he described as depicting a Chinese dictator, referencing Mao Zedong—a revered historical figure in China.

The controversy prompted Chinese state broadcaster CCTV to remove La Liga programming from its schedule, and several commercial partners suspended deals with Mbappé. La Liga released an official statement expressing deep regret and apologizing on behalf of the league and all its clubs, emphasizing that Mbappé's remarks were made in a personal capacity and do not represent La Liga's values. La Liga president Javier Tebas also issued a personal apology, acknowledging his responsibility and pledging to implement specific measures and a "awareness and communication protocol" with clubs and players to prevent similar incidents.

Mbappé himself apologized directly, stating his comments were inappropriate and expressing deep respect for the Chinese people and their history.