Kylian Mbappé-China 'Dictator' Controversy Explained: Mao Zedong Meme, Brand Deals And Broadcast Ban

China's Foreign Ministry has acknowledged Kylian Mbappé's apology over remarks about Mao Zedong, but the fallout continues, with Chinese brands ending partnerships and broadcasts of matches featuring the Real Madrid star remaining suspended.

China's Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday (October 28), that it had taken Kylian Mbappé's apology seriously after comments about Mao Zedong triggered a backlash in the country. The controversy has escalated beyond the French football star, with Real Madrid also apologising and Chinese broadcasters continuing to withhold matches featuring him.

Mbappé faced criticism on Tuesday (October 27) after a video from an online interview circulated on social media. At least three Chinese companies - beverage maker Dongpeng, dairy giant Mengniu and cheese producer Milkground - announced that they were ending their commercial agreements with the footballer.

The episode has put the spotlight on the commercial risks international sporting figures face in China, where perceived slights involving national identity and history can have consequences for sponsorships and broadcasting deals.

What Did China Say About Mbappé's Apology?

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun acknowledged the apology during a daily press briefing on Wednesday (October 28). "We take seriously the apology he has made," Guo said.

The statement came a day after Mbappé apologised for comments that had offended people in China and Chinese communities around the world.

"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.

"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," he added.

It remains unclear whether the apology will help Mbappé recover the commercial partnerships that were terminated or restore his position with Chinese broadcasters.

Why Did Chinese Brands End Their Partnerships With Mbappé?

Dongpeng, Mengniu and Milkground announced the termination of their agreements with Mbappé on Tuesday. Their statements used similar language, opposing "any words and actions that hurt national sentiment".

The announcements followed the circulation of a video in which Mbappé appeared to refer to a man depicted in a meme as a Chinese dictator. The edited image showed the footballer's face superimposed on the body of Mao Zedong.

The companies did not provide detailed explanations of their decisions, but the timing of the announcements linked the commercial fallout to the controversy.

China's People's Daily, the official newspaper of the ruling Communist Party, defended the companies' response in an online column on Wednesday.

It argued that when public figures cross a line with their words or actions, they can become a negative asset for brands, adding that companies and platforms act on principles as well as business considerations when ending such relationships.

Why Is The Mao Zedong Reference Controversial?

Mao Zedong led the Chinese Communist Party to victory in the Chinese Civil War and founded the People's Republic of China in 1949. He remains a significant figure in the country's official historical narrative, although his legacy includes campaigns that caused widespread suffering and loss of life.

The meme involving Mbappé drew on a running joke among football fans, who sometimes portray the forward as a dictator because of his perceived influence over teammates and the teams he represents.

However, the reference was sensitive in China, where comments involving prominent political figures can attract intense scrutiny.

The controversy also unfolded in an information environment shaped by online censorship. Although news of the terminated sponsorships was trending, some people in China said they knew little about the exact remarks that had prompted the backlash.

A Beijing finance worker, He Xiaodou, told The Associated Press that he had heard about the issue but did not know precisely what Mbappé had said.

Others considered the response excessive. Beijing lawyer Li Zhi said some companies or individuals might be overreacting, adding that similar incidents had happened before.

Why Has China Suspended Matches Featuring Mbappé?

China Media Group (CMG), which oversees sports broadcasts in China, said it had suspended broadcasts of Spanish league matches and other games featuring Mbappé. It also demanded apologies from the player, Real Madrid and La Liga.

The matches remained unavailable to Chinese viewers on Wednesday, despite the apologies.

The situation creates a commercial challenge for La Liga, which has significant interests in the Chinese market. League president Javier Tebas had apologised publicly on Tuesday and stressed the competition's commitment to preserving its partnerships with China.

Real Madrid issued its own apology later on Wednesday, expressing regret over Mbappé's remarks and reiterating its respect for the Chinese people.

It was not immediately clear how CMG would respond to the club's statement, having previously demanded a formal apology from Real Madrid.

What Happens Next For Mbappé And Real Madrid?

The immediate question is whether the apologies will be enough to ease the backlash and reopen commercial opportunities in China.

The Foreign Ministry's acknowledgement that it takes Mbappé's apology seriously offers a response from Beijing, but it does not establish that the sponsorship agreements will be restored or that broadcasts will resume.

The episode is part of a broader pattern in which disputes involving China have affected international sports businesses. In 2019, Chinese state television stopped broadcasting NBA games after then-Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey posted support for anti-government protesters in Hong Kong.

The circumstances of the two controversies differ, but both demonstrate how comments made by sports figures can become commercial issues when they trigger political or national sensitivities.

For Mbappé, Real Madrid and La Liga, the next steps will depend on whether the apologies lead to a change in the response from Chinese companies and broadcasters. For now, the commercial consequences of the controversy remain unresolved.