Credit: Wikimedia Commons

French soccer superstar Kylian Mbappé has issued a groveling apology to China after apparently communist dictator Mao Zedong as a “dictator.”

The Real Madrid forward is widely regarded as among the best footballers in the world and remains one of the world’s highest-paid athletes.

However, he found himself at the center of a furious backlash after footage circulated online showing him discussing an internet meme depicting his face superimposed onto Mao’s body.

Asked about the funniest meme he had seen of himself, Mbappé referred to an image of “some guy… I think he’s a Chinese dictator.”

The remark provoked outrage in communist China, where criticism and mockery of Mao is essentially illegal.

pic.twitter.com/MQBo9NCSy5

— Kylian Mbappé (@KMbappe) October 27, 2026

Rather than standing by his description of the communist leader, Mbappé quickly issued an apology in French, English and Mandarin.

“My comment was ill-judged, and I now understand that it hurt many people in China and in Chinese communities around the world,” he wrote.

“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.”

NEXT-LEVEL COWARDICE!

French football superstar Kylian Mbappé has apologised to Chinese fans after describing Mao Zedong as a “dictator.”

“My comment was ill-judged and I now understand that it hurt many people in China,” he said.

“I apologise to everyone my words have upset.” pic.twitter.com/mwUqqpFtxM

— Ben Kew (@ben_kew) October 27, 2026

The apology followed an immediate commercial backlash.

Three major Chinese companies, beverage manufacturer Dongpeng, dairy giant Mengniu and food producer Shanghai Milkground, announced they were terminating their partnerships with the French captain.

Two major Chinese brands have dropped Kylian Mbappé after a video appeared to show him calling Mao Zedong a “Chinese dictator.”

Drinks giant Dongpeng and dairy producer Mengniu terminated their sponsorship deals, accusing the French football star of offending Chinese national… pic.twitter.com/nqfqZWc23r

— Clash Report (@clashreport) October 27, 2026

China’s state television also suspended broadcasts involving Mbappé and Spain’s La Liga.

Even La Liga president Javier Tebas joined the apologies, expressing regret over the controversy and promising to work with Chinese partners to repair relations.

The extraordinary response is especially despicable given Mao’s historical record.

Mao ruled China from 1949 until his death in 1976, overseeing the disastrous Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution.

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His policies killed tens of millions of people through famine, persecution and political violence, making him one of the deadliest rulers of the 20th century.

Yet describing him as a dictator was enough to threaten Mbappé’s lucrative commercial relationships in the Chinese market.

Despite his willingness to apologize for Mao, Mbappe is known for his left-wing activism and previously urged French people to vote against right-wing presidential candidate Marine Le Pen.