Mbappé, Real Madrid and La Liga apologise after Mao meme controversy

Kylian Mbappé, Real Madrid and La Liga have issued apologies after a video surfaced showing the French striker appearing to mock former Chinese leader Mao Zedong.

The clip, said to have been filmed in April, shows Mbappé laughing at an internet meme that placed his face on “some guy, think he’s a Chinese dictator”. Public ridicule of Mao is taboo in China, where he is officially revered as the founder of the People’s Republic.

Chinese state media and social platforms condemned the remarks, and several Chinese brands cut ties with the 27‑year‑old player. CCTV also removed Spanish top‑flight matches from its schedule.

Within two days of the video’s circulation, Real Madrid, La Liga and Mbappé each released statements of regret. A spokesman for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the government took the apology “seriously”.

Experts warn the incident could cause lasting damage to the image of La Liga and Real Madrid in China, a market that finances the majority of international broadcasting rights for the league, valued at €748 million for 2024‑25. Real Madrid derives 10‑15 percent of its merchandise sales from China and counts Chinese firms such as Hisense among its sponsors.

Analysts suggest that swift, sincere remorse will influence whether the broadcast ban is lifted and how quickly commercial relationships can be restored.

Source: Al Jazeera. Photo: Jose David Cortes / Pexels.