Kylian Mbappé Faces Backlash and Apologizes for Controversial Mao Meme Amidst Brand Fallout in China

10/28/2026

Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappé has apologised for remarks about a viral meme that likened him to Mao Zedong after a furious backlash in China cost him promotional deals and exposure.

10/28/2026

China has acknowledged soccer star Kylian Mbappé's apology for comments seen as disrespectful to Mao Zedong, the founding leader of Communist China

10/28/2026

"My comment was ill-judged, and I now understand that it hurt many people in China and in Chinese communities around the world," Mbappe said in a statement Tuesday.

10/28/2026

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said: "We take seriously the apology ‌that the person has made"

10/28/2026

A girl walks past an advertisement for an energy drink featuring French soccer player Kylian Mbappé in Wuhan, China, on July 7, 2026. —Wang He—Getty Images French soccer captain and Real Madrid...

10/28/2026

Kylian Mbappe's remarks on Mao Zedong sparked a backlash in China, prompting brands to sever sponsorship ties and highlighting growing political risks for global companies.

10/28/2026

Mbappe quickly apologized Tuesday for comments perceived as insulting Mao Zedong, but criticism continued to spread across Chinese social media

10/27/2026

French footballer Kylian Mbappe has apologised for an "ill-judged" remark about Mao Zedong after being dropped by Chinese brands.

10/27/2026

The striker was dropped by Chinese sponsors after laughing at an image of his face on the former Chinese leader’s body and referring to him as a "dictator."

10/27/2026

The scale of the backlash prompted the French captain to apologize "to everyone my words have upset," saying that his "comment was ill-judged."