Mbappe apologises to China after Mao 'dictator' remark costs him multiple sponsorship deals

Kylian Mbappe issued a public apology on Tuesday after several Chinese brands cut commercial ties with the Real Madrid forward following comments in which he appeared to describe Mao Zedong as “a Chinese dictator”. The remarks, made in a video whose authenticity Reuters has not been able to verify, prompted swift condemnation from Chinese state media and an immediate commercial fallout.

In the video, Mbappe is heard describing the funniest meme he had seen of himself as one where his face was edited onto “some guy — I think he’s a Chinese dictator”. The comment appeared to reference an image in which Mbappe’s face was superimposed over a photograph of Mao, who led China from 1949 until his death in 1976. Satire or jokes directed at Mao remain deeply taboo in China, where he is revered as the nation’s founding leader.

Dairy companies Mengniu and Shanghai Milkground Food Tech, alongside energy drink maker Eastroc Beverage, all confirmed they were ending cooperation with the 27-year-old with immediate effect. The firms stated they “firmly oppose and have zero tolerance for any words or actions that hurt the feelings” of Chinese people.

“A remark about an internet meme has triggered a backlash among his Chinese fans, threatened his lucrative commercial relationships and offered a sharp reminder of the limits of celebrity influence,” state newspaper China Daily said.

Mbappe responded on X, writing: “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. I apologise to everyone my words have upset. This was absolutely not my intention. I have deep respect for the Chinese people and their history, and I am sincerely sorry.”

Beyond the three brands that have already walked away, Mbappe holds a wide portfolio of commercial partnerships, including deals with sportswear brand On Holding, hotel group Accor and toy manufacturer Lego. The episode places him alongside a list of prominent companies and organisations — among them Dolce & Gabbana, Swatch and the NBA — that have previously faced significant backlash from Chinese consumers and state media.

State-backed outlet Global Times captured the mood bluntly: “The message from Chinese consumers is clear: Respect is not optional; one doesn’t get to profit from China while disrespecting it.”