RismadarVoice Reporters
October 27, 2026
LaLiga President Javier Tebas has apologised to Chinese football fans following controversy over remarks attributed to Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé concerning an internet meme featuring former Chinese leader Mao Zedong.
The apology came on Tuesday after a video circulated online in which the French international appeared to joke about an image showing his face superimposed on Mao’s.
The footage sparked criticism in China, prompting several major companies to terminate their commercial relationships with the footballer.
In an official statement, LaLiga expressed regret over the controversy, stressing that Mbappé’s comments were made in a personal capacity and did not represent the Spanish football organisation.
Tebas acknowledged the concerns raised by Chinese supporters and reaffirmed the league’s respect for China’s people, institutions and cultural sensitivities.
He said LaLiga had spent years developing relationships with Chinese sporting authorities, broadcasters, commercial partners and millions of football supporters.
The league president maintained that the controversy should not undermine those relationships or affect its clubs and supporters.
LaLiga also announced plans to introduce a cultural-awareness and communication protocol in collaboration with clubs and players to help prevent similar controversies.
The dispute followed the circulation of a video in which Mbappé appeared to describe a meme featuring his face on a historical figure as one of the funniest images he had seen.
The remarks were widely interpreted as referring to Mao Zedong, whose legacy remains a sensitive subject in China.
However, international news agency AFP said it had not independently authenticated the circulating footage.
The controversy has already affected Mbappé’s commercial partnerships in the Chinese market.
Chinese beverage company Dongpeng and dairy producer Mengniu announced the termination of their sponsorship arrangements with the French captain, citing objections to remarks considered offensive to Chinese national sentiments.
Other Chinese companies also reportedly reviewed their commercial relationships with the player.
Meanwhile, Mbappé issued an apology acknowledging that his comments had caused offence among Chinese people and communities abroad.
He said the remarks were ill-judged and maintained that causing offence had not been his intention.
The controversy has also affected LaLiga’s presence in China, with reports indicating that Chinese state television suspended broadcasts of Spanish league matches.
LaLiga said it would continue engaging with its Chinese partners and relevant authorities to rebuild confidence and protect its longstanding relationship with the country.
The league reaffirmed its commitment to cultural respect, international cooperation and maintaining strong ties with Chinese football supporters.
