RismadarVoice Reporters
October 28, 2026
Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé has lost major sponsorship deals in China following controversial remarks about former Chinese leader Mao Zedong, prompting apologies from the French footballer, Real Madrid and Spanish football authorities.
The controversy erupted after a video from French football podcast The Bridge circulated online, showing Mbappé discussing an internet meme in which his face had been digitally superimposed on an image associated with Mao.
Although the France captain did not mention Mao by name, he appeared to describe the person in the image as a Chinese dictator.
The comments triggered widespread criticism on Chinese social media, where references perceived as disrespectful towards Mao remain highly sensitive.
Chinese beverage company Dongpeng and dairy producers Mengniu and Shanghai Milkground Food Tech subsequently announced the termination of their commercial relationships with the footballer.
China Media Group, which oversees state broadcaster CCTV, also suspended broadcasts of Spanish La Liga matches and advertisements featuring Mbappé.
The player’s accounts on Chinese social media platforms Weibo and Xiaohongshu were reportedly restricted following the controversy.
Responding on Tuesday, Mbappé apologised for his remarks, describing them as ill-judged and acknowledging that they had offended people in China.
He explained that he had been reacting to an altered image of himself rather than deliberately seeking to insult Chinese citizens or their history.
The apology was published in French, Mandarin and English.
On Wednesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun acknowledged the statement, saying Beijing took the footballer’s apology seriously.
Real Madrid also issued an apology, expressing respect for China’s history, culture and people, including the club’s millions of Chinese supporters.
La Liga President Javier Tebas separately apologised and met with China’s ambassador to Spain, Yao Jing, as efforts intensified to resolve the dispute.
The Spanish league has expressed concern about the possible financial consequences of losing access to China’s substantial football audience.
Reports also indicated that Chinese broadcasting platform Migu would not televise Real Madrid’s forthcoming league fixture against Racing Santander, despite plans to show other matches.
The controversy has highlighted the commercial challenges facing international sporting personalities operating in markets where political and historical subjects remain sensitive.
Despite the apologies, uncertainty remains over when suspended broadcasts and commercial partnerships might resume.
Neither Real Madrid nor La Liga has announced a definitive agreement with Chinese broadcasters or sponsors to resolve the dispute.
