Kylian Mbappé Apologizes as China Backlash Costs Him Brand Deals After Mao Remark

Kylian Mbappé is handling a severe public relations storm after a comment about former Chinese leader Mao Zedong triggered a swift and costly backlash. The Real Madrid star has issued a personal apology and lost multiple brand deals in China, with his club also forced to publicly express regret for the incident.

A costly off-field misstep

The controversy erupted after a video circulated online showing Mbappé discussing a meme. In it, he referenced "a guy ... I think he was a Chinese dictator" alongside a composite image of his face on Mao's body. The remark, which played on a nickname from his Paris Saint-Germain days, was immediately condemned across Chinese social media as "hurting the feelings of the Chinese people." By Tuesday, October 28, major Chinese companies began severing ties. Dairy giant Mengniu confirmed it was terminating "all partnerships" with the player, a move followed by at least two other firms. The football app Dongqiudi also condemned his "inappropriate remarks."

Real Madrid joins the apology

Facing a significant diplomatic incident, both the player and his club moved quickly to contain the fallout. Mbappé apologized on Tuesday, stating his comment was "ill-judged" and that he now understood it had caused hurt. The following day, Real Madrid issued its own formal statement. "Real Madrid C.F. wishes to express its apologies to the Chinese people for any discomfort that may have been caused," the club said, reaffirming its "deep respect" for China. The league itself also expressed regret. The fallout was severe enough that state television reportedly suspended its broadcast schedule for Spain's top division.

Ballon d'Or near-miss caps a mixed week

This crisis unfolded just as Mbappé attended the Ballon d'Or ceremony in London on Monday, October 27. For the third time in his career, he finished on the podium but did not win, placing second behind Harry Kane of Bayern Munich. The award capped a season where Mbappé claimed the World Cup Golden Boot and became the tournament's all-time top men's scorer, yet his club, Real Madrid, won no major silverware. He had, however, delivered a stellar individual performance just a day before the ceremony, scoring both goals in a 2-1 win for Madrid at Barcelona in El Clásico.

• Mbappé's remark about Mao Zedong led to the immediate loss of sponsorships with Mengniu and other Chinese brands.
• Both the player and Real Madrid issued formal apologies to China to mitigate the diplomatic and commercial damage.
• The incident occurred just after Mbappé finished second in the 2026 Ballon d'Or voting, behind winner Harry Kane.