KylianMbappé officially apologized after the broadcast of a video where he called MaoZedong a “dictator”. The statement, published on Tuesday by RealMadrid, acknowledges that the striker's comments were "awkward" and expresses deep regret towards those who were offended. In his message, written in French, English and Mandarin, the player underlines his respect for the Chinese people and their history, specifying that his words were “absolutely not his intention”.
Controversy erupted when a viral video showed Mbappé, runner-up in the 2018 Ballond'Or, making the statement. The reactions were immediate and virulent in China, where sensitivity around the historical figure of Mao remains very strong. Real Madrid have already expressed their regrets and apologized to China, but now it is the player himself who is speaking out to try to defuse the situation.
The commercial repercussions were rapid. Several Chinese companies announced the end of their partnerships with Mbappé, believing that his remarks had damaged national sentiments. The move had a notable impact on the player's image beyond the pitch, affecting his brand profile and advertising revenue.
In his statement, Mbappé also mentioned his deep respect for the Chinese people, indicating that he is sincerely sorry. He thus sought to clarify his intention and respond to people who felt offended. RealMadrid reiterated its commitment to respecting cultural sensitivities and stressed the importance of responsible communication.
At this stage, it remains unclear whether the apology will be enough to quell the controversy and restore business relations. The player and the club will have to continue to manage the repercussions of this affair, which goes far beyond the framework of football. Further developments will depend on the reactions of Chinese companies and sports authorities, as well as how Mbappé and RealMadrid continue to communicate on this subject.