China has rejected Real Madrid’s initial defense of French football star Kylian Mbappé after a controversial joke about former Chinese leader Mao Zedong. La Liga broadcasts in China were suspended and commercial partnerships for the Real Madrid forward had been terminated.
Although Mbappé, La Liga and Real Madrid have apologised, the issue is still unresolved and Chinese authorities and state media are demanding a more satisfactory response.
What did Mbappé say about Mao Zedong?
The controversy came after a video interview with Mbappé resurfaced online. The French international discussed an internet meme showing his face edited onto an image of Mao Zedong.
Mbappé called the figure a “Chinese dictator” when talking about the meme. The remarks drew widespread criticism among Chinese social media users.
Mao, who governed the People’s Republic of China from 1949 until his death in 1976, is still politically and historically sensitive. He is also accused of leading campaigns that caused mass suffering and millions of deaths, but mocking him is taboo in China.
The comments were therefore seen by many as disrespectful to China’s history and its people.
Why did China reject Real Madrid’s defence?
Real Madrid initially defended Mbappé by saying that he had not intended to offend anyone and had the right to express personal opinions. But China Media Group (CMG), which controls state broadcaster CCTV, rejected that explanation.
CMG argued that Mbappé’s remarks went beyond the line of acceptable expression and that Real Madrid, as his club, had a responsibility to respond to the incident.
The broadcaster also said satisfactory apologies were required before further discussions could take place.
Real Madrid made a public apology on 28 October to the people of China, China’s history, culture and people. The club also acknowledged the support of Chinese supporters.
CMG confirmed that it had received the club's apology, but the broadcasting suspension remained in place at the time of reporting.
La Liga matches suspended in China.
The controversy has affected Spanish football's status in the Chinese market. CMG announced the suspension of La Liga broadcasts, as well as advertisements featuring Mbappé.
The decision threatens the Spanish league’s global market, which is already investing in the Chinese market through broadcasting and commercial relationships.
La Liga president Javier Tebas also apologised for the offense done by Mbappé's remarks and tried to work with Chinese representatives to resolve the problem.
But the apologies have not immediately restored broadcasts.
Mbappé Loses Commercial Partnerships
The fallout has also affected Mbappé's business relations. Chinese companies, including beverage giant Dongpeng and dairy brands Mengniu and Shanghai Milkground Food Tech, have ended their partnerships with the footballer.
His presence on Chinese social media platforms was also restricted and there were reports that some brands had removed promotional content showing him.
The developments indicate how comments in an interview can affect a global athlete's reputation and commercial relationships.
What happens next?
China’s Foreign Ministry said on October 28 that it took Mbappé’s apology seriously. However, that statement did not confirm that La Liga broadcasts would resume.
Real Madrid and La Liga now face the challenge of repairing relations with Chinese broadcasters, businesses and supporters.
The controversy is still an example of how international sports figures must take cultural sensitivity into account when talking to a wider audience. Will apologies be enough to repair broadcasting and sponsorship relationships?
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