Mbappe apologises to Chinese fans following controversial remarks

Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe has issued an apology to the people of China following reports that La Liga broadcasts were suspended across the country due to comments he made in a recent media appearance.

During an appearance on the YouTube channel The Bridge, Mbappe admitted that among the various memes labelling him a dictator, his favourites were those comparing him to former Chinese leader Mao Zedong. The remarks caused widespread offence in China, reportedly leading state broadcaster CCTV to pull live broadcasts of Spanish top-flight matches, while several Chinese companies partnered with the French forward moved swiftly to distance themselves.

Mbappe's representatives quickly responded by releasing an official statement in French, Chinese, and English to express his regret. “During a recent interview, I reacted to an image of myself. My comment was ill-judged, and I now understand that it caused hurt to many people in China and among Chinese communities worldwide. I apologise to everyone who was offended by my words. That was certainly never my intention. I hold deep respect for the Chinese people and their history, and I am genuinely sorry,” the striker said.