Kylian Mbappe apologises to China after Mao Zedong controversy

Kylian Mbappe has apologised to the Chinese people after comments about an internet meme featuring former Chinese leader Mao Zedong sparked a major controversy. The Real Madrid forward acknowledged that his words were poorly judged after the incident drew criticism in China and threatened his commercial partnerships in the country.

The controversy began after a video circulated online in which Mbappe discussed a meme featuring his face edited onto an image of Mao. The French international appeared to describe the historical figure as a Chinese dictator. The authenticity of the footage has not been independently verified by Reuters, but the comments prompted a strong reaction among Chinese fans and businesses.

“During a recent interview, I reacted to an image of myself. My comment was ill-judged, and I now understand that it hurt many people in China and in Chinese communities around the world,” Mbappe said in his apology. He added that he had never intended to cause offence and expressed his deep respect for the Chinese people and their history.

The fallout has already affected the 27-year-old's commercial activities. Chinese companies Dongpeng Beverage, Mengniu and Milkground announced that they were ending their partnerships with the footballer. Chinese state television also suspended broadcasts involving La Liga, while league president Javier Tebas apologised to Chinese fans and said the organisation was working with its partners to address the situation.