Football has once again been the scene of controversy when, after KylianMbappé's statements about MaoZedong, an episode of protest was recorded in China that culminated in the burning of the French striker's shirts. Videos circulating on social media show Chinese fans lighting clothing from Mbappé's shirt, which he refers to as "France's" and not RealMadrid's. In one of the shots, a spectator steps on a poster with the player's image and utters a phrase that indicates his indignation: "It makes me very angry to have heard what Mbappé has said about China. I impose a deep boycott on him and I will never forgive him." Immediately afterwards, the same individual sets the shirt on fire, generating a strong stir in the football community.
The controversy arose when Mbappé, in an interview, indirectly referenced MaoZedong when commenting on the memes circulating on social networks about the former Chinese leader. The comment, which was perceived as a veiled criticism of the historical figure, provoked intense reactions in the Asian country. In addition to the reaction of the fans, Chinese state television has decided to suspend the broadcast of RealMadrid matches, which has added another layer of tension to the situation.
RealMadrid, which has maintained a commercial and sporting relationship with the Chinese federation, has not issued an official response in this regard. However, the club has indicated that it remains committed to its members and the football community in China, while emphasizing the importance of respecting the cultural sensitivities of each country.
As for the immediate fallout, match organizers in China have announced that stadium security will be beefed up and broadcast policies will be reviewed to prevent future incidents. For its part, the French Football Federation has stated that it will continue to support Mbappé in his international career, although it has also urged players to be aware of the implications of their public statements.
The future of the relationship between RealMadrid and the Chinese market remains uncertain. As European clubs continue to seek to expand their presence in Asia, situations like the one experienced with Mbappé underline the delicate nature of the interactions between sport and politics. Upcoming matches between RealMadrid and Chinese teams will be held under greater scrutiny, with the Spanish club having to balance its commercial interests with the cultural sensitivity of its international fans.