Kylian Mbappé has apologized to the Chinese people after a joke about Mao Zedong sparked widespread criticism in China. As the backlash grows, the Real Madrid forward faces calls for a boycott, while La Liga president Javier Tebas has also addressed the controversy.
The controversy erupted on Tuesday, just hours after Mbappé finished second in the Ballon d’Or voting. A clip showing the French international joking about Mao, a major figure in Chinese history, quickly spread across Chinese social media. Consequently, many users expressed their anger and accused the forward of showing disrespect toward China’s history and culture. The incident soon extended beyond football, triggering a broader public debate and raising concerns about Mbappé’s image in the country.
Moreover, several media outlets have reported that the backlash has affected Mbappé’s commercial interests in China, including restrictions on his local social media accounts and the loss of Chinese sponsors.
In response to the growing controversy, Tebas also apologized to the Chinese people and stressed the importance of maintaining La Liga’s long-standing relationship with China. Mbappé subsequently issued his own statement, acknowledging the impact of his words. “My comment was ill-advised, and I now understand that it hurt many people in China and within the Chinese community worldwide. I offer my apologies to everyone who was offended by my words,” he said. He also reaffirmed his deep respect for the Chinese people and their history. However, it remains to be seen whether his apology will ease the backlash and help him rebuild his reputation among Chinese fans.
