Soccer Star Kylian Mbappé Apologizes for Comments on Mao Zedong, Ending Sponsorships with Chinese Companies

BEIJING: Soccer star Kylian Mbappé apologized for comments in which he apparently referred to Mao Zedong, the founding leader of Communist China, as a dictator, with at least three different Chinese companies. "My comment was ill-judged, and I now understand that it hurt many people in China and in Chinese communities around the world," Mbappé said in a statement Tuesday. "I apologize to everyone my words have upset," he said. "This was absolutely not my intention. I have deep respect for the Chinese people and their history, and I am sincerely sorry." The incident is the latest in a string of cases where China leverages its economic clout to compel foreign companies and individuals to toe its political line. In 2019, Chinese state television ceased broadcasting NBA games after then-Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey tweeted support for anti-government protesters in Hong Kong. Mbappé's face has appeared in ads across China, from subway stations to inside elevators. Beverage maker Dongpeng, dairy giant Mengniu and cheese maker Milkground said in similarly worded statements Tuesday that they were ending agreements with the soccer star, each saying they oppose "any words and actions that hurt national sentiment." The companies did not specify what prompted their decisions, but they released their statements after a clip that appeared to show Mbappé being interviewed ahead of going on the French online talk show "The Bridge" circulated on X. The China Football Association said in a statement Tuesday that it has "lodged a stern protest" with Real Madrid and demanded that both the player and the football club "issue a public and formal apology." The association stressed it firmly opposes "any remarks that hurt the feelings of the Chinese people." China Media Group also said that it has suspended broadcasts of matches in the Spanish league, La Liga, and other games featuring the French soccer star, and removed advertisements featuring him. The media conglomerate demanded an apology from Mbappé and his club, Real Madrid. The Spanish league was quick to try to protect its television business in China. It said in a statement that it "deeply regrets the offense caused to Chinese fans by Mbappé's recent comments. These remarks were made in a personal capacity and do not represent La Liga." The league said it would create a "communication protocol" for its players and clubs while working with stakeholders in China to prevent any future incidents.