Kylian Mbappé has found himself at the centre of an international controversy after a joke about former Chinese leader Mao Zedong triggered a backlash in China. Three major companies have cut ties with the Real Madrid star, while Spanish football authorities are trying to contain the fallout.
Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé is facing growing commercial and reputational consequences after a comment made during a podcast discussion sparked outrage in China. The French international, one of football's most recognisable figures, has already lost partnerships with several major Chinese brands, while broadcasters and social media platforms have taken action against content featuring him. Although Mbappé has publicly apologised, the controversy has extended beyond the player himself, forcing Real Madrid and La Liga to issue statements and attempt to repair their relationships with the Chinese market.
The situation began when a video clip circulated online on October 26 showing Mbappé discussing internet memes involving his image. What initially appeared to be a light-hearted conversation quickly developed into a major international incident, largely because of the historical figure referenced in the joke. By October 29, the matter had attracted responses from the Chinese authorities, Spanish football officials and the president of the French Football Federation.
What did Mbappé say about Mao Zedong?
The controversy originated from a French podcast in which Mbappé was asked about amusing memes created by football supporters. In recent years, some internet users have jokingly portrayed the forward as a dictator, suggesting that his influence at clubs extends beyond his performances on the pitch to decisions normally made by coaches and executives. One such image depicted Mbappé's face superimposed on a picture resembling Mao Zedong, the revolutionary leader who founded the People's Republic of China in 1949.
While discussing the image, Mbappé referred to the person depicted as "some guy — I think he's a Chinese dictator." The remark was subsequently shared widely on Chinese social media, where it attracted intense criticism. According to Reuters, the backlash followed a familiar pattern involving public outrage, corporate responses and restrictions imposed by media platforms.
Mao Zedong remains a central figure in the history and political identity of modern China, making references to him particularly sensitive. His leadership, which lasted until his death in 1976, is also associated by historians with policies that contributed to mass famine and widespread political persecution. Although Mbappé's remark appeared in the context of an internet meme rather than a discussion of Chinese history, the distinction did little to prevent criticism from spreading rapidly across the country.
Chinese companies terminate their partnerships with Mbappé
The most immediate consequences were commercial. On October 27, Chinese beverage producer Dongpeng, also known as Eastroc Beverage, announced that it was terminating its cooperation with the French forward. The company had previously featured Mbappé in promotional campaigns, including advertisements connected to the 2026 World Cup, but said it would not tolerate behaviour it considered offensive to national sentiments.
Two other major Chinese businesses, dairy producer Mengniu and cheese manufacturer Shanghai Milkground Food Tech, also ended their partnerships with the player. As The Guardian reported, the controversy rapidly became one of the most discussed topics on the Chinese social media platform Weibo, where posts about Dongpeng's decision attracted hundreds of millions of views. Some users also called for products featuring Mbappé's image to be removed from stores.
The repercussions extended beyond advertising contracts. Chinese media reported restrictions affecting broadcasts of Spanish football, while promotional materials featuring Mbappé were removed or limited on several digital platforms. The state broadcaster CCTV reportedly suspended coverage of La Liga matches, although details of the restrictions varied between broadcasters and platforms. The situation also raised concerns for Spanish football executives, who have spent years developing commercial relationships and expanding their audience in China.
Mbappé and Real Madrid apologise to Chinese fans
Facing growing criticism, Mbappé issued a public apology on October 27 in French, English and Chinese. The forward acknowledged that his words had caused offence and stressed that he respected Chinese people and their history. "My comment was ill-judged," he admitted, adding that he understood why it had upset people in China and Chinese communities around the world.
The apology, however, did not immediately bring the controversy to an end. On October 28, Real Madrid published its own statement expressing regret over the incident and emphasising the club's respect for Chinese culture and supporters. According to Reuters, La Liga also apologised, explaining that the player's remarks had been made in a personal capacity and did not represent the competition.
The Chinese government subsequently acknowledged the apologies. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said the authorities took Mbappé's statement seriously, although the response did not establish whether commercial relationships or broadcasting arrangements would return to normal. La Liga president Javier Tebas also met Chinese ambassador Yao Jing as Spanish football officials sought to address the wider consequences of the incident.
French Football Federation president defends Mbappé
A new development emerged on Thursday, October 29, when French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo addressed the situation. Speaking about the controversy, Diallo argued that Mbappé had already explained the context of his remarks and apologised for the offence caused. He suggested that the player should now be allowed to move forward rather than face prolonged criticism over a comment made during an informal discussion.
As Reuters reported on Thursday, Diallo also expressed the hope that the controversy would not disrupt Mbappé's season with Real Madrid or his responsibilities as France captain. His intervention came as Spanish football continued dealing with the commercial consequences in China, where the incident has attracted attention well beyond ordinary football coverage.
Despite the public apologies, the damage to Mbappé's commercial relationships has already been significant. At least three companies have confirmed the termination of their partnerships, and some restrictions involving football broadcasts and promotional content remain in place. There has been no confirmed disciplinary action against the forward from Real Madrid, and the club has publicly focused on rebuilding relations with Chinese supporters rather than announcing sporting sanctions.
The incident has become another example of how quickly a footballer's comments can produce consequences far beyond the pitch, particularly when major international markets are involved. For Mbappé, what began as a joke about his reputation and influence in football has developed into a controversy involving sponsors, broadcasters and national football authorities. Whether the apologies will be enough to restore his commercial position in China remains uncertain, but the events of the past several days have already demonstrated the potential cost of a few words spoken in an informal interview.
Published by Patrick Jane
29.10.2026