Beijing Acknowledges Mbappé Apology Following Backlash Over Mao Zedong Remarks

POLICY WIRE — Beijing, China — The Chinese Foreign Ministry confirmed on Wednesday that it has received and is taking seriously an apology from soccer star Kylian Mbappé. The statement follows widespread criticism regarding remarks the athlete made that were perceived as disrespectful toward Mao Zedong, the founding leader of Communist China.

The controversy erupted Tuesday after an online interview surfaced featuring Mbappé discussing a meme that depicted his face on the body of Mao Zedong. The soccer star referred to the figure in the meme as a Chinese dictator, triggering an immediate and severe reaction from Chinese corporate partners.

At least three major Chinese brands—beverage company Dongpeng, dairy giant Mengniu, and cheese producer Milkground—terminated their endorsement deals with the forward. Each company issued nearly identical statements asserting their opposition to any rhetoric that harms national sentiment.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Guo Jiakun addressed the situation during a daily press briefing on Wednesday, stating, We take seriously the apology he has made. Despite this, it remains uncertain if the player will be able to recover his lost business partnerships or if his matches will return to Chinese airwaves, as broadcasts remained suspended on Wednesday.

The Communist Party’s official publication, the People’s Daily, weighed in via an online column, noting that public figures who cross red lines become negative assets for brands. The outlet emphasized that Chinese companies are acting based on business logic and core principles by severing ties.

Mbappé issued a formal apology on Tuesday, admitting his comments were ill-judged and expressing regret for hurting the feelings of people in China and Chinese communities globally. He stated, This was absolutely not my intention. I have deep respect for the Chinese people and their history, and I am sincerely sorry.

Real Madrid, the club for which Mbappé plays, also issued an apology on Wednesday, reiterating its respect for the Chinese people. This followed a swift apology from La Liga president Javier Tebas, who sought to preserve the league’s commercial partnerships in the region.

China Media Group (CMG) confirmed receipt of the apology from Real Madrid but maintained its suspension of broadcasts for the Spanish league and matches featuring the French star. CMG had previously demanded a formal apology, rejecting the club’s initial stance that the player was entitled to his personal opinion.

The incident mirrors previous diplomatic and economic tensions between China and foreign entities. In 2019, Chinese state television halted NBA broadcasts after then-Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey expressed support for anti-government protesters in Hong Kong.

While the controversy trended online, China’s strict censorship apparatus meant many citizens remained unaware of the specific remarks. Because comments regarding top leaders are highly sensitive, state media and brands did not translate the exact words used by the player.

Public reaction within China appeared mixed. Some residents, such as Beijing finance worker He Xiaodou, noted they were aware of a political controversy but lacked specific details. Others, like Beijing lawyer Li Zhi, suggested that some companies might be overreacting to the situation.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)