French football star Kylian Mbappé has apologised after remarks about an online meme featuring former Chinese leader Mao Zedong prompted widespread criticism in China. Three major Chinese companies have since ended their partnerships with him.
“I now understand that my remarks hurt people in China and Chinese communities worldwide. I accept that what I said was inappropriate, and I offer my respect to China’s people and history.”
The apology followed a wave of criticism on Chinese social media, where a video of Mbappé discussing the meme began circulating. The image in question shows his face superimposed on Mao’s.
What Mbappé Said
In the video, Mbappé described his favourite meme featuring himself as one that placed his face over that of a Chinese dictator.
The remark was widely understood to refer to Mao Zedong, who led China from the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949 until his death in 1976.
Jokes about Mao are a sensitive matter in China, where he remains an important historical figure. The video soon attracted criticism, with some people saying Mbappé had shown disrespect for China’s people and history. Reuters has not independently verified the footage. Even so, it spread rapidly, and related topics trended on the Chinese social media platform Weibo.
Mbappé Apologises and Shows Respect for China
Mbappé said he understood that his response to the meme had been poorly judged. He added that, although he had not intended to hurt anyone, he sincerely respected China, its people and its history.
This was his first direct response to the controversy, which had drawn growing criticism and prompted major brands to end their ties with him.
It is not yet clear whether the apology will ease public anger.
Three Chinese Companies End Their Partnerships With Mbappé
Dongpeng Beverage, Mengniu and Shanghai Milkground were among the three companies that announced they would terminate their commercial relationships with Mbappé.
Dongpeng, a leading Chinese beverage company, said it would not accept conduct that offended national sentiment. Mengniu, one of China’s largest dairy companies, made a similar statement. Shanghai Milkground also confirmed that it was ending its partnership with the footballer.
The companies made their decisions after the video went viral. The move is a significant setback for Mbappé, who has taken part in numerous advertising campaigns in China.
He has promoted a range of products, including sports drinks and dairy goods.
LaLiga Apologises to Chinese Fans
The controversy also prompted a response from LaLiga, Spain’s leading professional football league.
League president Javier Tebas apologised to Chinese fans over the offence caused by the remarks. LaLiga said the comments were made in Mbappé’s personal capacity and did not represent the organisation.
Tebas also said the league was working with its partners and contacts in China to address the situation and protect its decades long relationship with the country.
Chinese media outlet The Paper reported that state broadcaster CCTV had stopped showing LaLiga matches and events involving Mbappé, and had removed related advertisements.
Why the Controversy Matters
Mbappé is among the best known footballers in the world and has commercial partnerships beyond Europe. China is an important market for international sports brands, and public reaction to sensitive issues can influence companies’ decisions.
The episode highlights the risks international athletes face when their remarks are viewed as disrespectful.
What began as a brief discussion of an internet meme has grown into a wider issue involving brands, football authorities, media organisations and public opinion.
The apology may help reduce criticism, but Mbappé has already lost three brand partnerships in China. The effect on his future endorsements remains uncertain.
More broadly, the incident is a reminder that global sports stars operate across markets with different cultural expectations, and even seemingly minor comments can have major consequences for their commercial relationships.