French Football Federation President Philippe Diallo has defended Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe, stating that the France captain should be allowed to move forward following intense backlash in China over comments referring to former Chinese leader Mao Zedong as a dictator.
Mbappe, along with his club Real Madrid and La Liga, has issued apologies following the remarks. The controversy erupted from a video on a French podcast—since removed—in which the 27-year-old player discussed an internet meme featuring his face photoshopped onto another figure, remarking, “I think he’s a Chinese dictator.” The meme is part of a long-running joke in the European press that has earned Mbappe the nickname “the dictator,” referencing fan-created images designed to playfully suggest he wields significant influence over his teams’ decisions.
在中国 lucrative Chinese market, however, satire concerning Mao—who governed China from 1949 until his death in 1976—remains a strict social taboo. The comments triggered immediate fallout, exposing the delicate relationship between high-profile athletes, major brands, and overseas fan bases.
In response to the escalating tensions, La Liga president Javier Tebas established a crisis unit and met with Chinese ambassador to Spain, Yao Jing, on Wednesday in an effort to contain the diplomatic and commercial fallout. Meanwhile, state media outlet China Daily reported that the remarks provoked sharp reactions among Chinese supporters, jeopardized the player’s commercial partnerships, and underscored the boundaries of celebrity influence.
The economic consequences have been swift. Chinese state-owned broadcaster Migu canceled its plans to air Real Madrid’s upcoming match against Racing Santander on Sunday. Additionally, several prominent Chinese brands—including dairy companies Mengniu and Shanghai Milkground Food Tech, alongside Eastroc Beverage—have completely suspended their commercial cooperation with Mbappe.
Speaking to French newspaper Ouest-France on Thursday, Diallo emphasized that the matter should be put to rest. “It is a controversy which, ultimately, should not, I hope, last because Kylian has very well explained the context in which this intervention took place. He has apologised,” Diallo said. “I believe we should now leave it at that so that he can continue his season in the best possible conditions.”
Despite the commercial disruptions and media criticism, official diplomatic channels have shown signs of de-escalation. A spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the government is taking Mbappe’s apology seriously.
