Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé has apologised to people in China after remarks about an online meme triggered a backlash that led to the suspension of commercial and media ties linked to the French footballer.
China moved to sever connections involving Mbappé, including sponsorship arrangements, after comments he made during an appearance on the French television show The Bridge.
Quick facts
- Mbappé referred to a meme placing his face on a Chinese political leader.
- The picture was said to be based on Mao Zedong, who led China from 1949 until his death in 1976.
- His company, Interconnected Ventures, published apologies in French, Chinese and English on Tuesday.
- China Media Group stopped showing La Liga matches and paused advertisements featuring Mbappé.
Asked which image-based joke about himself he found funniest, Mbappé said the meme that amused him most showed his face on a Chinese dictator. He added that he frequently used the image in exchanges with friends.
The image was reportedly modelled on Mao Zedong, the founding leader of the People’s Republic of China, who governed from 1949 through 1976.
Interconnected Ventures issued Mbappé’s apology on Tuesday in three languages: French, Chinese and English. The player said his response during the television appearance had been ill-judged.
“During a recent media appearance, I reacted to an image portraying me,” Mbappé said. “My comments were poorly considered, and I now understand that they caused distress to many people in China and among Chinese diaspora communities around the world.”
He said he offered sincere apologies to everyone affected, adding that the reaction was entirely inconsistent with his intentions. Mbappé also said he held deep respect for Chinese people and their cultural heritage and expressed genuine regret.
La Liga issued a separate statement of apology, stressing that the comments had been made in a personal capacity and did not reflect the views of the Spanish league or its clubs.
La Liga president Javier Tebas said he regretted the damage caused and said the competition would introduce an educational protocol prepared jointly with clubs and players.
China Media Group, which oversees state broadcaster CCTV, halted La Liga match broadcasts and suspended advertising featuring Mbappé. It said formal apologies from La Liga, Mbappé and Real Madrid were required before talks could resume.
