Mbappé Apologizes After China Backlash Over Meme Comment

Overview

• The player issued a public apology on Tuesday written in French, English and Mandarin that said he was "sincerely regretful" for his remark about a meme linking his image to a Chinese 'dictator'.
• Major Chinese partners including Dongpeng, Mengniu and Milkground announced they were ending or suspending commercial ties with Mbappé and related ads and posts were removed from Chinese platforms.
• China Media Group (CCTV) suspended LaLiga transmissions and removed broadcasts and advertising featuring Mbappé, a step that risks wider distribution and commercial income for the league and clubs.
• Real Madrid and LaLiga issued formal apologies, have begun outreach to Chinese partners, and LaLiga's president said the league is working with institutional contacts in China to try to limit damage.
• Verification of the original clip remains unresolved after AFP's fact‑checking unit initially could not confirm its authenticity, and the case underscores how sensitive references to Mao can trigger swift political, commercial and media consequences in China.