Kylian Mbappe has been at the centre of a storm in China after he made comments about one of the country’s most famous leaders.
The Frenchman has had multiple commercial deals ended with Chinese companies.
Mbappe came second in the voting for the Ballon d’Or this year, with Harry Kane winning the prestigious award.
He also scored twice last weekend, including a late winner, as Real Madrid beat Barcelona in El Clasico.
What did Kylian Mbappe say about China?
On a French talk show called ‘The Bridge’, Kylian Mbappe spoke about memes online that make him look like autocratic leaders from around the world.
A whole host of memes have circulated social media superimposing the Frenchman’s face onto various historical dictators.
Mbappe has been called a dictator due to his influence on both Real Madrid, the French national team and wider football.
Mbappe said on the show: “That makes me laugh the most, it’s the one where there’s a video of a guy, I think it’s a Chinese dictator…” – going on to laugh when it cuts to a video showing Mbappe edited onto an image of former Chinese leader Mao Zedong.
The comments did not get a good reaction in China, where Mao is a huge figure within the Communist Party.
The Real Madrid striker is a huge name across the world, with Chinese audiences huge fans of world sport.
China is a huge market for sport and athletes, with brands signing mammoth endorsement deals with other stars including Manchester City’s Erling Haaland and NBA superstar Steph Curry.
His status had brought him huge commercial deals with Chinese companies, but at least three have since cut ties with the Frenchman – though they didn’t specifically reference the video.
Mengniu – China’s largest dairy provider – said that it “firmly opposes and has a zero-tolerance policy towards any words or actions that hurt the feelings of the Chinese people”.
Beverage company Dongpeng and cheese giant Milkground also announced that they were ending their agreements with Mbappe.
Chinese fans have been critical of Mbappe too on social media platform Weibo, where one person said: “International public figures, in particular, should show greater respect and sensitivity, as national sentiment must never be taken lightly.”
Media in China has also reported that state broadcaster CCTV will stop showing Spanish La Liga matches and apps will not feature content related to Mbappe.
Has Mbappe apologised?
Yes, Mbappe has apologised for what he said.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Frenchman said: “During a recent interview, I reacted to an image of myself.
“My comment was ill-judged, and I now understand that is hurt many people in China and in Chinese communities around the world.
“I apologise to everyone my words have upset. This was absolutely not my intention. I have deep respect for the Chinese people and their history, and I am sincerely sorry.”
The statement was also released in French and Mandarin.
La Liga has also apologised, saying it “deeply regrets the offence that Kylian Mbappe’s recent comments have caused among Chinese fans.”