Kylian Mbappé, captain of the French national football team and forward for Real Madrid, apologized to the people of China for referring to Mao Zedong as a "dictator." His comments led to severe criticism and institutional consequences in China.
Mbappé's Reaction and Apology
In a statement released in three languages, Mbappé said, "My comment was incorrect, and I apologize to everyone who was hurt by my words." He informally referred to Mao as "a man - I think he is a Chinese dictator" in a video clip from the television program "The Bridge." This clip was part of the filming of a podcast in March that was removed from the program's social media accounts after the comments were made.
Social and Economic Consequences
Mbappé's "dictator" label in China provoked strong reactions. Several Chinese television networks halted coverage related to Mbappé and La Liga, and some brands removed advertisements featuring the player. A spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry stated on the day of Mbappé's apology, "Words and actions that hurt the feelings of the Chinese people will naturally face opposition from all sectors of Chinese society."
Mocking political figures in China is a sensitive issue due to political sensitivities, especially regarding Mao, who founded the People's Republic of China in 1949 and ruled the country until his death in 1976. Many historians describe Mao as an authoritarian leader, and his actions led to the deaths of millions due to famine and violence.
In an interview with the French magazine "L'Équipe" last month, Mbappé stated that he finds some of these memes funny, but others reflect "political and human ignorance." In his statement following the crisis, he said, "I now understand that this issue has upset many people in China and Chinese communities around the world. It was never my intention, and I have deep respect for the Chinese people and their history."
Boycotts and public anger in China have also impacted Mbappé's business contracts. The largest dairy producer in China, Mengniu, announced it would cease its collaborations with Mbappé. Similarly, cheese producer Shenghai Mingguang and the East beverage brand took similar actions. These brands stated they have a zero-tolerance policy for behaviors that hurt public sentiments in China.
According to media reports, Mbappé's contracts with Chinese brands were worth 50 million yuan (approximately 6.7 million euros). These brands saw their stocks decline before announcing the cessation of cooperation. Global brands such as Dior, Rimowa, Nike, and Hublot also removed advertising content related to Mbappé from their social media accounts.
