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Kylian Mbappe predictably bends the knee after losing Chinese sponsors for laughing at meme of dictator Mao
Tuesday, October 27, 2026
Kylian Mbappé apologized after making comments about Chinese leader Mao Zedong that drew backlash from Chinese fans and state media. Fox News reported that Mbappé lost Chinese sponsors and that Real Madrid matches were banned from CCTV, and that Real Madrid subsequently issued a formal apology to China after CCTV demanded one. CNBC reported that Chinese state media warned Mbappé his apology would be judged against his future actions.
Reported by 4 outlets:
- Fox News — Kylian Mbappe predictably bends the knee after losing Chinese sponsors for laughing at meme of dictator Mao
- BBC — Watch: The Mbappé-Chairman Mao controversy explained
- Bloomberg — Mbappé Apologizes for Perceived Mao Insult After China Backlash
- CNBC — Kylian Mbappé faces China backlash as sponsors cut ties over viral meme
- Fox News — Real Madrid issues apology to China over Mbappe controversy after state-run TV demands it
- Fox News — Survivor of Mao's cultural revolution speaks out on Kylian Mbappe fallout in China over laughed-at meme
- BBC — China made Mbappé apologise - but many don't know exactly what he said