# Kylian Mbappé’s Apology After His Mao Comments
Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappé apologized after comments about a meme depicting him alongside former Chinese leader Mao Zedong sparked criticism in China. The backlash also drew responses from sponsors and raised concerns about the relationship between LaLiga and Chinese broadcasters.
Mbappé said his remarks during a French television interview were inappropriate and had hurt people in China and Chinese communities around the world. He added that causing offence was never his intention and expressed respect for the Chinese people and their history.
## What Mbappé Said About the Mao Meme
In an interview on the French talk show *The Bridge*, Mbappé discussed a meme that made him laugh. He described a video featuring an image of himself that resembled Mao Zedong, referring to the figure as a Chinese dictator.
The comments attracted attention because memes have often compared Mbappé to authoritarian leaders as a joke about his influence in football and his relationships with teammates and other players.
Mbappé had previously addressed those comparisons in an interview with *France Football*. He said he understood the jokes but warned that comparisons to people responsible for violence and suffering could show a lack of historical and human awareness.
## Chinese Sponsors and Broadcasters Respond
Two Chinese companies with commercial partnerships involving Mbappé issued statements condemning his comments.
Dairy producer Mengniu said it opposed words or actions that hurt the feelings of the Chinese people. Drinks company Dongpeng also stated that it had a zero-tolerance policy toward behavior it considered offensive to national sentiment.
The *Global Times* reported that Chinese state broadcaster CCTV would remove news about Mbappé from its apps and stop streaming LaLiga matches. The developments put the incident beyond a personal apology, with potential consequences for the league’s broadcast relationship in China.
## Why Mao References Are Sensitive in China
Mao Zedong founded the People’s Republic of China in 1949 and led the Chinese Communist Party until his death in 1976. He remains a major and sensitive figure in the country’s history.
China’s Foreign Ministry said it had noted the reports and that comments hurting the feelings of Chinese people would naturally face opposition from across Chinese society. The response reflected the broader sensitivity around public references to Mao and the country’s political history.
## Mbappé and LaLiga Issue Apologies
In his apology, Mbappé acknowledged that his comment was inappropriate. He said he understood it had upset many people in China and in Chinese communities worldwide, and expressed sincere regret.
LaLiga also apologized for the offence caused to Chinese fans, while emphasizing that Mbappé had spoken in a personal capacity and did not represent the league. The organization said it respected China and valued the millions of fans who follow Spanish football.
LaLiga added that it was working with Chinese partners and institutional counterparts to address the situation. It also said it planned to develop an awareness and communication protocol with clubs and players to encourage cultural respect and help prevent similar incidents.
League president Javier Tebas said LaLiga would take steps to protect its relationship with Chinese partners and fans, arguing that the actions of one individual should not damage the league’s wider ties with the country.
## What the Backlash Means for Real Madrid and LaLiga
The incident highlighted the challenges global football figures and organizations can face when public comments cross cultural or political boundaries. Mbappé’s apology addressed the offence, while LaLiga’s response focused on preserving its long-standing relationship with Chinese fans and broadcasters.
The reported suspension of LaLiga streaming by CCTV could have implications for the league’s visibility in China. The situation also places renewed attention on how clubs, players, sponsors and sports organizations handle sensitive cultural issues.