Kylian Mbappé has issued an apology to China following a controversy over remarks he allegedly made about Mao Zedong, which has led to the termination of his endorsement deals with two Chinese companies. The Real Madrid and France star's apology comes after La Liga president Javier Tebas also issued an official apology to China regarding the incident.
The controversy began when Mbappé reportedly referred to a meme that placed his face on a "Chinese dictator," a comment that deeply offended national sentiments in China, where Mao is revered. The backlash resulted in brands like Dongpeng Beverage and Mengniu terminating their partnerships with the footballer, marking a significant financial and reputational blow in the Chinese market.
Mbappé Apologizes to China for Mao Zedong Remark, Loses Brand Deals
13 stories · 5 sources
Sources
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- Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe apologizes after Mao meme comments amid growing backlash in China — CBS Sports,
- Mbappé loses brand deals in China over Mao meme remarks — Yahoo Sports,
- 🎙️ I didn't mean to: Mbappé apologises to China after the row — Yahoo Sports,
- Tebas, La Liga issue official apology to China over Kylian Mbappe controversy — Yahoo Sports,
- Two Chinese brands terminate Kylian Mbappe partnerships over dictator meme comments — Yahoo Sports,
- Kylian Mbappé loses major China sponsorship deals following Mao Zedong meme controversy — Yahoo Sports,
- Soccer Star Mbappé Loses Chinese Sponsorship Deals Amid Mao Zedong Meme Backlash — Yahoo Sports,
- French football star Mbappe dropped by Chinese brands after 'dictator' remark — Sky News World,
- Major Chinese brands drop Mbappé as backlash grows over Mao joke — Yahoo Sports,
- Major Chinese brands drop Mbappé as backlash grows over Mao joke — BBC World,
- Kylian Mbappé dropped by Chinese brands for ‘offending national sentiments’ — The Guardian Sports,
- Mbappe dropped by Chinese brands for 'offending national sentiments' — Yahoo Sports,