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Mbappé apologises after Mao meme sparks backlash in China
Oct 27 2026 18:47 · بواسطة onefootball.com · 13 عدد المشاهدات
Kylian Mbappé has apologised after comments about a meme comparing him with former Chinese leader Mao Zedong sparked a backlash in China.
The Real Madrid forward said his remark was “ill-judged” and apologised in French, English and Mandarin, saying he understood that it had hurt people in China and Chinese communities around the world.
Several major Chinese brands have since ended their partnerships with the France captain. Drinks company Dongpeng, dairy producer Mengniu and cheese maker Milkground all cited a zero-tolerance policy towards words or actions that offend national sentiment.
China Media Group also suspended broadcasts of La Liga matches and removed advertisements featuring Mbappé.
La Liga said it “deeply regrets” the offence caused by his comments, while stressing they were made in a personal capacity.
Mbappé made the comments after being shown a meme of his face superimposed on an image of Mao, who remains a highly sensitive figure in China.