Football player Mbappé apologizes for comments about Chinese leader Mao

Football star Kylian Mbappé apologised publicly in October 2026 after comments he made about Mao Zedong caused anger in China. On a French talk show, Mbappé referred to a "Chinese dictator" while a meme showing his face on an image resembling Mao appeared on screen. The clip spread quickly on Chinese social media over a weekend. Three Chinese companies ended their sponsorship deals with him, and state broadcaster CCTV removed his content from its platforms. Mbappé released a statement in French, Chinese, and English, calling his words "ill-judged" and saying he has "deep respect for the Chinese people and their history." Spain's football league, La Liga, also apologised for the offence caused.