Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé has apologised to the Chinese people following backlash over a joke about an internet meme depicting his face on former Chinese leader Mao Zedong.

The French international issued the apology after his remarks sparked controversy, with reports indicating that China Media Group had suspended broadcasts of Spanish La Liga matches and advertisements featuring the footballer.

Mbappé’s company, Interconnected Ventures, released the apology on Tuesday in French, Chinese and English, acknowledging that his comments had caused distress among people in China and members of Chinese diaspora communities worldwide.

The controversy has raised concerns about the sensitivity of public figures when making jokes involving historical figures and cultural identities, particularly when their comments reach audiences across different countries.

Meme sparks controversy

The incident began during an appearance on the French television programme, The Bridge, where Mbappé was asked which internet meme featuring himself he found most amusing.

Responding to the question, the Real Madrid forward said the meme that made him laugh most was one that superimposed his face on a Chinese dictator.

He added that he frequently shared the image with his friends, apparently referring to the humorous context in which he encountered the meme.

The image was reportedly based on Mao Zedong, the founding leader of the People’s Republic of China, who ruled the country from 1949 until his death in 1976.

Although Mbappé’s response was presented as a personal joke about an internet meme, it reportedly provoked negative reactions because of its reference to one of the most significant figures in modern Chinese history.

Mao remains an influential and politically sensitive figure in China, where his legacy continues to occupy an important place in the country’s national identity and political history.

The controversy subsequently drew attention to the responsibilities of internationally recognised athletes when discussing images or jokes involving other countries’ historical and cultural figures.

Mbappé expresses regret

In his apology, Mbappé admitted that his response during the television appearance had not been properly considered and acknowledged the distress it caused.

“In a recent media appearance, I responded to an image depicting myself. My remarks were poorly considered, and I now recognise that they caused distress to numerous individuals in China and within Chinese diaspora communities globally,” he said.

The footballer apologised to those affected, stressing that the reaction was contrary to his intentions.

“I extend my sincere apologies to all those affected by my statements. Such an outcome was entirely contrary to my intentions,” he added.

Mbappé also expressed admiration for the Chinese people and their cultural heritage, while reiterating his remorse over the incident.

The apology was issued in three languages, reflecting the effort to communicate the message to audiences in China and internationally.

However, the statement did not immediately establish whether the controversy would be resolved or whether the reported restrictions affecting La Liga broadcasts and advertisements would be lifted.

La Liga issues separate apology

Spanish football authorities also responded to the controversy, with La Liga issuing a separate apology and clarifying that Mbappé’s comments were personal and did not represent the league or its member clubs.

La Liga president Javier Tebas reportedly expressed regret over the harm caused by the remarks.

Tebas also announced plans to introduce an educational protocol developed in collaboration with clubs and players.

The initiative is intended to improve awareness and understanding of the potential consequences of public statements, particularly when footballers engage with audiences from different cultural backgrounds.

The league’s response suggests an effort to distance the competition from the controversy while addressing concerns about the conduct and public responsibilities of its participants.

However, the available information does not establish whether the educational measures are directly linked to any formal sanctions against Mbappé or Real Madrid.

China reportedly suspends broadcasts

China Media Group, which oversees the country’s state broadcaster, China Central Television (CCTV), reportedly halted broadcasts of La Liga matches and suspended advertisements featuring Mbappé following the controversy.

The reported action represents a potential commercial challenge for the Spanish league, which has an international following and relies on broadcasting agreements and sponsorship arrangements to expand its global reach.

China Media Group also reportedly demanded formal apologies from Mbappé, La Liga and Real Madrid, making them prerequisites for further discussions on resolving the dispute.

The reported suspension of broadcasts and advertisements could affect the visibility of the competition and the footballer’s commercial activities in the Chinese market.

However, the extent of the restrictions, including whether they cover all La Liga broadcasts or only selected programming and advertising arrangements, requires further confirmation.

There has also been no independently established confirmation in the supplied information that all sponsorship agreements involving Mbappé in China have been terminated.

Real Madrid yet to be directly implicated

Although the controversy centres on Mbappé, the reported demand for an apology from Real Madrid places the Spanish club in the wider dispute because of its association with the footballer.

Real Madrid signed Mbappé in 2024 after his departure from Paris Saint-Germain, bringing one of the world’s most recognisable players to the Spanish capital.

His international profile extends beyond football, with commercial partnerships, advertising campaigns and a substantial global following making him a prominent figure in sports marketing.

The incident highlights the potential consequences of controversies involving globally recognised athletes, whose remarks can affect not only their personal reputations but also the organisations and commercial partners associated with them.

For La Liga, maintaining relationships with international broadcasters and audiences is important to its global commercial strategy.

The outcome of the dispute will therefore depend partly on whether the apologies satisfy the parties involved and whether the reported broadcasting and advertising restrictions are subsequently lifted.

The incident also underscores the importance of cultural awareness in international sports, where remarks intended as private humour or casual commentary can provoke wider reactions when shared publicly.