Mbappé issued an apology on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, acknowledging that his remarks during a recent interview were inappropriate and had offended people in China and members of Chinese communities around the world.

The controversy began after a video circulated online showing Mbappé discussing a meme in which his face had been superimposed onto an image of Mao Zedong, the founding leader of the People’s Republic of China. During the interview, the French international described the figure in the meme as a Chinese dictator.

His comments triggered widespread criticism on Chinese social media, where references to Mao remain a sensitive subject. The backlash quickly extended beyond the internet, threatening the footballer’s commercial relationships in one of the world’s largest consumer markets.

Several Chinese companies, including beverage maker Dongpeng and dairy producers Mengniu and Milkground, announced that they were ending their partnerships with the footballer. The companies cited their opposition to statements or actions considered offensive to the Chinese people.

According to reports from Chinese media, the controversy has also affected the visibility of Mbappé and Spanish football in the country. China’s state broadcaster reportedly suspended broadcasts of LaLiga matches and events involving the player, while advertisements featuring him were removed.

In his apology, Mbappé acknowledged the impact of his words and expressed regret for the offence caused.

He stressed that he respected the Chinese people and their history, adding that offending them had never been his intention.

The incident has also drawn a response from LaLiga president Javier Tebas, who apologised over the controversy and said the organisation was working with its Chinese partners to address the situation and protect the relationship built over the years.

However, the controversy continues to raise questions about the commercial consequences of public statements made by international sports stars, particularly in markets where historical and cultural sensitivities play a significant role.

While Mbappé remains one of the world’s most recognisable footballers, the loss of several sponsorship partnerships highlights how quickly a controversy can affect an athlete’s commercial reputation beyond the football pitch.