Mbappe Mao remarks spark China backlash: Real Madrid, LaLiga face growing pressure despite apology as diplomatic talks continue

Kylian Mbappe (Photo Reuters) Kylian Mbappe’s attempt to explain a viral internet meme has sparked an escalating controversy in China that has put Real Madrid’s business partnership and LaLiga’s broadcasting relationship with the country under scrutiny. More than a week after the French superstar’s comments about former Chinese leader Mao Zedong sparked outrage, the fallout remains unresolved, with Chinese authorities now in talks with Real Madrid and LaLiga.The latest development came on Friday, November 6, when China’s ambassador to Spain, Yao Jing, confirmed that Beijing had been in contact with the Spanish soccer giants over the incident. While no formal negotiations have taken place, the communication is aimed at achieving mutual understanding and addressing concerns raised in China.“There are no negotiations, but there is communication based on mutual understanding,” Jao told Spain’s EFE news agency before attending a forum at the University of Salamanca.“This unfortunate incident has hurt the feelings of many people in China who now have to deal with the current situation,” he added.The controversy has already resulted in apologies from Mbappe, Real Madrid and LaLiga, while Chinese broadcasters and commercial partners have taken steps to distance themselves from the footballer and Spanish football.

What exactly did Mbappe say about Mao?

The controversy arose from a video interview with Mbappe on the French football podcast *The Bridge*. In the clip, which has since been taken down, the French captain discussed a popular internet meme in which his face was digitally overlaid with an image of Mao Zedong.The meme was part of a joke among football fans about how Mbappe influenced decisions at his clubs. The forward has previously been depicted in internet memes as a dictator with his face edited into images of military and political leaders.Discussing the image, Mbappe described the person in it as “some guy, I think he’s a Chinese dictator”. Although he did not specifically mention Mao by name, it was widely understood that the reference was to the former Chinese leader.Reuters said it was unable to independently verify the video. However, the clip was widely circulated and subsequently prompted an apology from Mbappe, Real Madrid and LaLiga.Mao, who ruled China from 1949 until his death in 1976, remains an extremely sensitive figure in the country’s political and cultural landscape. While revered by many as the founder of modern China, his rule is also associated with campaigns that caused widespread suffering and millions of deaths.Satirical references to Mao are particularly sensitive in China, where jokes about the country’s political leadership can provoke strong reactions from the public and officials. The controversy quickly escalated after the video went viral online, and what appeared to be a casual discussion about a football meme turned into an international diplomatic and commercial matter.

How did Mbappe respond? Real Madrid and LaLiga apologize

Mbappe issued a public apology on October 27 after his remarks sparked a backlash and several Chinese business partners began to distance themselves from him.In a statement posted on social media in French, Mandarin and English, the Real Madrid forward acknowledged his comment was inappropriate.“During a recent interview, I responded to my picture. My comment was misjudged and I now understand that it hurt many people in China and in Chinese communities around the world,” Mbappe said.“I apologize to everyone who was upset by my words. This was absolutely not my intention. I deeply respect the Chinese people and their history, and I am truly sorry.”Real Madrid also apologized to the Chinese people for any inconvenience caused by their player’s remarks. LaLiga followed suit, expressing regret over the incident and stressing that Mbappe’s comments were made in a personal capacity and did not represent the league.Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Kuo Jiakun subsequently said: “We take seriously the apology of the individual concerned.”However, the dispute did not end with apologies.

Chinese brands ditch Mbappe, CCTV suspends LaLiga coverage

The business implications were swift. Chinese companies Dongpeng Beverage Group, Mengniu Dairy and Shanghai Milkground Food Tech ended their partnership with Mbappe following the controversy.CCTV, China’s state broadcaster, also suspended its coverage of LaLiga matches while ads featuring the France forward were removed. His accounts on Chinese social media platforms Weibo and Xiaohongshu also faced restrictions.Furthermore, streaming platform Migu dropped Real Madrid’s match against Racing Santander last weekend from its coverage, despite showing other Spanish league matches.The episode exposed the commercial risks facing international sports figures and organizations in China, one of the world’s major consumer markets.It also raised concerns about LaLiga, which has a broadcast deal with Migu running until the end of the 2029-30 season.According to LaLiga president Javier Tebas, the league’s broadcasting contracts with CCTV and Migu are currently worth around €10 million ($11.20 million) per year, significantly less than their maximum value of around €100 million per year.

Latest update: China says it needs time to digest Mbappe’s apology

The latest development on November 6 suggests that efforts to resolve the dispute are continuing, although there is no immediate indication that broadcast restrictions will be lifted.China’s ambassador to Spain, Yao Jing, confirmed on Friday that his government is in communication with Real Madrid, LaLiga and other Spanish institutions regarding the incident.LaLiga president Tebas met with Yao last week as Spanish football tried to limit the commercial damage. Tebas subsequently stated that the league continues to dialogue with the Chinese authorities and is “working to resolve it”.EFE also reported on a statement from the attaché of the Chinese embassy, ​​Xie Tianyu, who indicated that the apology would not bring an immediate solution.“There is not enough time, the Chinese need time to spend it, it is not an easy problem for the Chinese, and it is a club that has a lot of followers and a lot of love in China,” Xie said.Meanwhile, China Media Group indicated that it would listen to Mbappe’s apology but “more importantly” would watch what the striker does in the future.As of November 6, the suspension of CCTV coverage of LaLiga remains a major outstanding issue. Although CCTV has confirmed the receipt of Real Madrid’s apology, no date has been announced for the resumption of broadcasts.