Penalty for Mbappe over China Dictator comment

Picture Credit: CNN

French football star Kylian Mbappé has apologised to Chinese audiences after remarks referring to former Chinese leader Mao Zedong as a dictator sparked widespread backlash. The controversy has already affected commercial partnerships and prompted China’s state broadcaster to halt coverage of matches and events involving Mbappé and Spain’s LaLiga competition.

The incident began during a French podcast discussion about an online meme that superimposed Mbappé’s face onto Mao’s image. The Real Madrid forward said his response was poorly judged and acknowledged that his words had hurt people in China and Chinese communities worldwide. He said offending them was never his intention.

The reaction has extended beyond social media. Chinese companies, including beverage producers Mengniu and Eastroc Beverage, announced they were ending cooperation with the footballer. State television also stopped broadcasting content involving Mbappé and LaLiga, while advertisements featuring the player were reportedly removed. Several related topics remained among the most searched discussions on Chinese social media platform Weibo, with some users rejecting his apology.

The episode has also raised concerns for organisations and international brands connected to the player. LaLiga president Javier Tebas apologised and said the organisation was working with Chinese partners to resolve the dispute, stressing the importance of its relationship with the country. Swiss sportswear company On Holding welcomed Mbappé’s apology, while Lego and hotel group Accor were also linked to the controversy through their commercial relationships with him.

The dispute highlights the commercial risks facing global athletes and companies operating in China, a major market for sponsorships, advertising and consumer sales. Previous controversies involving international brands have shown that public backlash can carry significant financial consequences. While China’s state broadcaster indicated it would consider Mbappé’s response, it also called for a sincere apology and meaningful changes. Whether his apology restores public trust — and helps repair his commercial relationships — remains uncertain.