French football star Kylian Mbappé issued a formal apology on Monday following intense backlash in China over an interview in which he discussed a digital meme that superimposed his face onto an image of former Chinese leader Mao Zedong. The controversy led to commercial boycotts, official diplomatic statements, and renewed discussions regarding the cultural standing of historical figures among younger generations.
The controversy began after clips circulated widely on platforms such as Reddit, X, and Threads from an appearance by Mbappé on the French online interview program The Bridge. During the segment, when asked which internet meme featuring his likeness made him laugh the most, Mbappé stated that the funniest involved someone superimposing his face onto a photograph of a Chinese dictator, adding that he frequently used the image while playing video games with friends. Although the player did not explicitly name the figure, post-production editing in the program inserted an image combining his face with Mao Zedong, prompting viewers to connect the remark to the former leader.
On October 27, Mbappé published a statement through his personal company, Interconnected Ventures, on his verified X account. In the statement, he addressed the remarks, noting that he had responded to an image featuring himself and acknowledging that his words were ill-considered. He stated that he understood the remarks had caused hurt in China and among Chinese communities worldwide, offered an apology to anyone affected, and emphasized that offense was not his intention while expressing deep respect for the country and its history.
Despite the statement, the reaction in China escalated swiftly. Approximately 20 minutes after the release, the Chinese Football Association (CFA) issued a statement on Weibo stating that it had engaged in stern representations with Mbappé’s club, Real Madrid, demanding a public and formal apology from both the player and the institution. The CFA stated that it firmly opposes any remarks that harm the feelings of the Chinese people and emphasized that international athletes must maintain high standards and communicate rationally.
Similar responses followed from other sports bodies. La Liga released a statement on Weibo and X expressing deep regret over the offense caused to Chinese fans, clarifying that the player’s remarks represented personal expression and did not reflect the league’s official position. La Liga President Javier Tebas subsequently met with Chinese Ambassador to Spain Yao Jing to discuss the fallout. The Bridge also posted a statement via Instagram stories expressing regret that the segment had caused offense, while China Central Television (CCTV) sports division stated it would watch for concrete actions while suspending the broadcast of matches and commercials associated with the player.
Commercial fallout was immediate. Dongpeng Beverage was the first corporate partner to announce the termination of its endorsement contract with Mbappé, citing zero tolerance for actions that harm national sentiment. Mengniu Dairy and Cheese Manufacturer subsequently severed ties, while lifestyle platform Xiaohongshu clarified that its commercial partnership had concluded on December 31, 2024, and announced that related promotional materials were being reviewed and removed.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry also addressed the situation during a regular press briefing, with a spokesperson stating that the government had noted the reports and that remarks or actions harming the sentiments of the Chinese public naturally encounter widespread social resistance. Domestic media outlets drew parallels between the incident and previous racial discrimination Mbappé experienced during the July World Cup, arguing that athletes who benefit commercially from the Chinese market must respect local sentiments.
The dispute gained momentum due to a domestic information vacuum and the prominent position Mao Zedong occupies among contemporary Chinese youth. Major football platforms initially refrained from translating the explicit details of the controversy, leading curious internet users to seek out the original interview footage independently. In public discussions, many netizens invoked the term Jiaoyuan, an affectionate designation for Mao used extensively within online youth culture. Analysts note that Mao’s enduring influence among China’s Z generation has expanded in recent years, with his writings frequently topping academic reading lists and his critiques of economic inequality serving as an interpretive framework for younger demographics navigating modern social pressures.
