Kylian Mbappe apologises to China for Mao Zedong 'dictator' remark after furious backlash

Mbappe apologised after calling Mao Zedong a "Chinese dictator" in a video, prompting Chinese brands to sever commercial ties.

France captain Kylian Mbappe issued a public apology on Tuesday after comments about a meme where his face was superimposed over a photograph of Mao Zedong sparked backlash in China. In a video, Mbappe described the image as one where his face was edited onto "some guy — I think he's a Chinese dictator". The remarks triggered swift commercial consequences, with Chinese dairy companies Mengniu and Shanghai Milkground Food Tech, alongside Eastroc Beverage, confirming they were ending all cooperation with the Real Madrid forward with immediate effect.

Mbappe wrote on X: "My comment was ill-judged, and I now understand that it hurt many people in China and in Chinese communities around the world. 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." In China, satire or jokes directed at Mao, the nation's founding leader, are viewed as deeply disrespectful and remain taboo.

LaLiga president Javier Tebas also posted an apology, stating the league deeply regretted the remarks and was working with partners in China to overcome the situation. Mbappe's commercial partnerships span major brands including On Holding, Accor, and Lego, which sells an Mbappe building set in China.