Kylian Mbappé's embarrassing, groveling apology to China comes down to money: Dan Dakich
Mbappé Apologizes After Mao Meme Sparks Backlash in China, Threatens Sponsorships
MADRID — Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé issued a formal apology Tuesday following a wave of criticism from Chinese officials and fans over remarks he made during a French television appearance, a controversy that commentators say puts his lucrative commercial portfolio in the country at risk.
The incident occurred during a Monday night broadcast of "The Bridge," a talk show hosted by Mbappé’s Real Madrid and France teammate, Aurélien Tchouaméni. When asked about internet memes featuring his likeness, Mbappé highlighted one in which his face was superimposed over an image of Mao Zedong, the founding father of the People’s Republic of China. "The one that makes me laugh the most," Mbappé said on air, referencing the edited footage.
Mao’s legacy remains highly sensitive in China. While revered by the ruling Communist Party as the nation’s modern founder, his policies — including the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution — are estimated by historians to have caused tens of millions of deaths through famine and political persecution.
The clip circulated rapidly on Chinese social media platforms, prompting a rebuke from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. While the ministry’s specific statement was not fully detailed in initial reports, the response signaled official displeasure significant enough to trigger immediate commercial consequences. According to sports media analyst Dan Dakich, speaking on OutKick, Mbappé holds extensive endorsement deals in China spanning sectors from food and beverage to apparel, all of which were reportedly jeopardized by the remarks.
"This is going to cost Mbappé a ton of money," Dakich said. "He has a huge, huge presence in China... that's all being threatened to go away."
By Tuesday afternoon, Mbappé had released a statement via social media walking back the comment.
"My comment was ill-judged, and I now understand that it hurt many people in China and in Chinese communities around the world," Mbappé wrote. "I apologize to everyone my words have upset. I have deep respect for the Chinese people and their history, and I am sincerely sorry."
La Liga, the organizing body of Spain’s top football division, followed with its own institutional apology hours later.
"La Liga deeply regrets the offense caused by Kylian Mbappé’s recent comments among Chinese fans," the league said in a statement. "These comments were made in a personal capacity and do not represent LALIGA. To the extent of our institutional responsibility, we apologize on behalf of LALIGA and all its clubs."
The episode marks the latest in a pattern of high-profile athletes and sports entities issuing rapid apologies after running afoul of Chinese political sensitivities. In 2019, Houston Rockets executive Daryl Morey faced similar pressure after tweeting support for Hong Kong protesters, resulting in a massive broadcast blackout and sponsorship freeze in China. NBA star LeBron James and wrestler-turned-actor John Cena have also faced scrutiny for comments perceived as deferring to Beijing on issues regarding Taiwan and human rights.
Dakich framed the dynamic as a financial imperative overriding personal expression. "If you're going to get in bed with Communist China... then you better shut your damn mouth," he said. "You better just sit back, take your money, and quit screwing around."
The controversy caps a difficult stretch for the 25-year-old French captain. On Monday, he finished runner-up to England’s Harry Kane in the Ballon d’Or voting for the world’s best player. Domestically, Real Madrid has stumbled out of the gate in La Liga; through ten matches, the club holds a goal differential of plus-15, trailing arch-rivals Barcelona’s plus-29 despite Mbappé’s strong individual form, including two goals in the recent El Clásico victory.
Mbappé has not commented further on the commercial fallout, and Real Madrid has not issued a separate club statement beyond the league's release.