Kylian Mbappé Faces Major Backlash in China Over 'Dictator' Mao Meme and Apologizes

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

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

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."