Kylian Mbappe Apologises After Chinese Brands Drop Him Over Mao 'Dictator' Remarks
- Kylian Mbappe has issued an apology after remarks about a viral dictator meme sparked a backlash in China
- Two major Chinese companies have ended their commercial partnerships with the Real Madrid forward
- The controversy has also drawn reactions from Spanish football officials and the Chinese Football Association
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Kylian Mbappe has apologised after comments about a viral internet meme linked to former Chinese leader Mao Zedong triggered a backlash in China. The controversy has cost the Real Madrid forward commercial partnerships with major Chinese companies, while Spanish football authorities have also moved to address the fallout.
The 27-year-old issued his apology on Tuesday, 27 October 2026, after footage of a French-language interview circulated online.
What Mbappe said about the dictator meme
During an interview for French online talk show The Bridge, Mbappe was asked which meme featuring him made him laugh the most. He referred to an image involving “a guy — I believe it was a Chinese dictator”, before gesturing towards his face.
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The image showed his face digitally superimposed on a figure resembling Mao, who founded the People's Republic of China in 1949 and died in 1976.
In a statement published in French, Mandarin and English, Mbappe acknowledged the impact of his remarks.
“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, according to The Athletic.
“I apologise to everyone my words have upset. This was absolutely not my intention.”
Chinese brands terminate Mbappe partnerships
Dairy manufacturer Mengniu and drinks company Dongpeng announced that they were ending their commercial relationships with the footballer.
Mengniu said it had “zero tolerance for any words or actions that offend the feelings of the Chinese people”. Dongpeng issued a similar statement, confirming that its decision took immediate effect.
The backlash reflects the sensitivity surrounding Mao's legacy in China, where jokes about the former leader can provoke strong reactions.
Source: Getty Images
La Liga and football authorities respond
La Liga president Javier Tebas also apologised to Chinese fans, saying the organisation regretted the offence caused. The Chinese Football Association demanded a formal public apology from Real Madrid.
Real Madrid hit by dressing-room tensions as Mbappe controversy grows
Briefly News previously reported that Real Madrid midfielders Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni were fined €500,000 each (approximately R10.3 million) after a dressing-room altercation in May 2026.
The incident prompted disciplinary action from the Spanish club, with both players apologising to each other, their teammates and supporters. Valverde also addressed reports about the confrontation, while Tchouameni acknowledged that the incident reflected poorly on the club.
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Source: Briefly News
