Overview
- Kylian Mbappé said on his podcast that a meme linking him to Mao Zedong made him 'laugh the most' and called Mao 'a Chinese dictator', remarks that went viral earlier this week and prompted immediate backlash in China.
- China Media Group announced it would suspend broadcasts of Spanish league matches, a state-media action that has cut off a major exposure channel for LaLiga clubs in the Chinese market.
- Mbappé, Real Madrid and LaLiga issued apologies for the comments, but media reports say the player has already lost three Chinese sponsors following the viral clip.
- Philippe Diallo, president of the French Football Federation, publicly defended Mbappé on Thursday and urged that the controversy be allowed to end so the captain can continue his season in stable conditions.
- Former player Oscar appealed for cultural respect on social media, highlighting how the episode shows the commercial and diplomatic risks when high-profile athletes comment on sensitive historical figures.