Real Madrid and France forward Kylian Mbappe has apologised to Chinese people following backlash over his comments about an internet meme comparing his face to that of former Chinese leader Mao Zedong. Mbappe issued the apology after a video of his remarks circulated online, triggering criticism and reports that major…...
Real Madrid and France forward Kylian Mbappe has apologised to Chinese people following backlash over his comments about an internet meme comparing his face to that of former Chinese leader Mao Zedong.
Mbappe issued the apology after a video of his remarks circulated online, triggering criticism and reports that major Chinese brands had ended their partnerships with the football star.
In a statement by the footballer, the 2026 Ballon d’Or winner admitted that his comments during a recent interview were misunderstood and had hurt 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,” he said.
“I apologise to everyone my words have upset. This was absolutely not my intention.”
Mbappe also expressed respect for China and its history, saying he regretted the controversy sparked by his remarks.
READ ALSO: Mbappe Dropped By Chinese Brands Over Controversial Meme Video
“I have deep respect for the Chinese people and their history, and I am sincerely sorry,” he added.
The controversy followed an interview in which Mbappe reportedly described a meme showing his face superimposed on Mao’s image as the funniest internet meme he had seen involving himself.
Read Also
In the video, he referred to the figure as “some guy — I think he’s a Chinese dictator”.
The remarks drew criticism on Chinese social media, while beverage company Dongpeng, dairy producer Mengniu and cheesemaker Milkground reportedly announced they were ending their commercial relationships with the French international.
Chinese state media outlet ‘The Paper’ also reported that public broadcaster CCTV had suspended broadcasts of Spanish La Liga matches, although the extent of the reported suspension remained unclear.
TVC News Online had earlier reported that Mbappe had been dropped by major Chinese brands following the circulation of a video in which he appeared to joke about a meme comparing his face to that of former Chinese leader Mao Zedong.
The controversy has also raised questions about the broadcast of Spanish football in China, with state-run media outlet The Paper reporting that public television was suspending broadcasts of matches from Spain’s La Liga.
In the video, Mbappe reportedly described an internet meme involving his face as the funniest he had seen, saying it had been superimposed onto the image of “some guy — I think he’s a Chinese dictator”.
The remark appeared to refer to a meme depicting the French international as Mao, whose image has been used in several online edits featuring Mbappe alongside historical figures.