Kylian Mbappe Issues Apology to Chinese Fans Over Mao Zedong Meme Remarks

Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe issued an apology to Chinese fans following backlash over his comments regarding a meme that featured former Chinese leader Mao Zedong. The controversy unfolded after a video circulated online where Mbappe discussed a meme showing his face superimposed on the body of Mao Zedong. The remarks provoked significant negative reactions from Chinese supporters, leading three Chinese companies to reportedly end their commercial partnerships with the French football player.

In response to the incident, Spanish football league La Liga released a statement expressing regret for the offence caused, noting that Mbappe's comments were made in a personal capacity rather than representing the league. La Liga president Javier Tebas also extended a personal apology to Chinese supporters and acknowledged the trust placed in Spanish football. La Liga announced plans to develop an awareness and communication protocol together with its clubs and players to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Mbappe posted his apology on X on Tuesday, stating that his comment was ill-judged and acknowledging that it hurt people in China and Chinese communities worldwide. He emphasized that causing upset was not his intention and expressed deep respect for the Chinese people and their history. La Liga stated that the new measures will complement ongoing engagement with partners and institutional counterparts in China to address the situation moving forward.