30.10.2026 02:28
The controversy that began after Real Madrid's French star Kylian Mbappe's remarks about Mao Zedong, the founder of the People's Republic of China, is growing. Chinese fans showed their reaction by burning Mbappe's jerseys and damaging his posters.
Kylian Mbappe's use of the phrase "Chinese dictator" about Mao Zedong caused a backlash in China. Some fans angered by the French footballer's statements set Real Madrid jerseys on fire and also damaged Mbappe's posters.
THREE COMPANIES WITHDREW FROM SPONSORSHIP
After the controversy, it was reported that Chinese companies Dongpeng, Mengniu and Milkground terminated their advertising collaborations with Mbappe. On the other hand, it was also claimed that Chinese state television CCTV suspended the broadcast of Real Madrid's LaLiga matches.
MBAPPE'S WORDS DREW REACTION
In a program he attended, Mbappe, while talking about humorous content prepared about him on the internet, recalled a video in which his face was placed onto an image of Mao Zedong using artificial intelligence. The French star's describing the person in the video as a "Chinese dictator" was the beginning of the controversy in China.
MBAPPE APOLOGIZED
Mbappe, making a statement as the backlash grew, apologized, stating that he had not sufficiently considered that his words could be misinterpreted. The French footballer expressed that he understood that Chinese communities in China and in different parts of the world were upset, that he did not want to hurt anyone, and that he respects the Chinese people.
REAL MADRID ISSUED A STATEMENT
Real Madrid also issued a statement after the controversy, emphasizing its respect for China and the Chinese people. The Spanish club stated that it supported Mbappe's apology message and attached importance to intercultural understanding and friendly relations with China.
LALIGA PRESIDENT ALSO APOLOGIZED
LaLiga President Javier Tebas also emphasized in his statement regarding the controversy that Mbappe's words were his personal opinion. Tebas expressed his regret over what happened and stated that they were in contact with Chinese officials and football stakeholders. He stated that they had taken the necessary steps so that Spanish football's relations with China would not be damaged.