Kylian Mbappé Apologizes Over Mao Comment
China said it takes the soccer star's apology seriously after backlash over Mao remarks.
October 28, 2026 · Updated Oct 28, 11:36am ET
Al JazeeraReal Madrid apologise to Chinese people for Mbappe’s Mao ‘dictator’ remark
Associated PressReal Madrid issues public apology to China over Mbappé's Mao Zedong comments
FOX NewsKylian Mbappé's embarrassing, groveling apology to China comes down to money: Dan Dakich
The GuardianKylian Mbappé’s China crisis shows how sensitive Mao’s legacy remains
ABC NewsChina takes Mbappé apology 'seriously' after backlash over 'Chinese dictator' remark
Epoch TimesChina Turns Mbappe’s Mao Meme Joke Into Political Controversy
TIME MagazineMbappé Apologizes After ‘Dictator’ Mao Comment: What to Know
CNBCKylian Mbappé faces China backlash as sponsors cut ties over viral meme
NBC NewsChina takes Mbappé’s apology ‘seriously’ after backlash over his ‘Chinese dictator’ comments
NewsweekSoccer player breaks China's glass hearts
39%
Left · 5
46%
Center · 6
15%
Right · 2
Pano rates the coverage Balanced.
What happened
Kylian Mbappé
Kylian MbappéFrench footballer (born 1998) apologized over his Mao Zedong
Mao Zedong1st chairman of the Chinese Communist Party and founder of the People's Republic of China (1893–1976) comment, calling it ill-judged and expressing respect for Chinese people. Real Madrid and LaLiga also apologized to Chinese fans, after three Chinese sponsors dropped him. In behind-the-scenes footage from the French online show The Bridge, Mbappé described Mao as “some guy” he thought was a Chinese dictator. The clip was later removed. Mao remains a politically sensitive figure in China, where the Communist Party reveres him as the country’s founding leader. MengniuMengniu DairyChinese company, Milkground and Dongpeng said they opposed words or actions hurting national sentiment. China Media GroupChina Media Grouppredominant state media company by means of radio and television broadcasting in the People's Republic of China suspended LaLiga broadcasts. It remained unclear whether the apology would restore deals or broadcasts.
How the left told it
Left-leaning outlets framed the backlash as a joke becoming institutional and commercial punishment, rather than only fan anger. The Guardian lingered on how the fallout spread from online condemnation to brands and Spanish football, calling the dropping “unceremonious”. It also stressed Mao’s enduring political sensitivity in China, where mockery crosses a taboo.
How the right told it
Right-leaning outlets cast China’s response as a political defense of Mao’s status, with money shaping Mbappé’s apology. The Epoch Times emphasized the Communist Party’s continued promotion of Mao as a revered founding figure. Fox News portrayed the apology as “groveling” and driven by commercial interests.
Mbappé Mao Comment Backlash
Part of the storyline · Storyline →- Oct 28Kylian Mbappé Apologizes Over Mao Comment (this story)Balanced
- Oct 27Kylian Mbappé Loses Chinese SponsorsBalanced
