The controversy emerged after a clip from the French podcast The Bridge circulated online, showing Mbappe reacting to a meme featuring Mao's portrait. Despite official apologies from the player, Real Madrid, and LaLiga, major corporate partners including Dongpeng Beverage Group and Mengniu Dairy quickly terminated their sponsorship deals. Beijing's ambassador to Spain confirmed that official communications are underway with the club to manage the fallout.
Key points
Apologies from Kylian Mbappe, his club, and LaLiga failed to stop major Chinese brands fr…: Apologies from Kylian Mbappe, his club, and LaLiga failed to stop major Chinese brands from canceling lucrative commercial deals.
Chinese government officials took formal notice of the remarks while initiating direct di…: Chinese government officials took formal notice of the remarks while initiating direct discussions with Real Madrid management.
The incident highlights the severe financial and diplomatic sensitivities European footba…: The incident highlights the severe financial and diplomatic sensitivities European football figures face when addressing Chinese political history.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
Kylian Mbappe's attempt to explain a viral internet meme has triggered an escalating controversy in China, putting the Real Madrid forward's commercial partnerships and LaLiga's broadcasting relationship with the country under scrutiny. More than a week after the French superstar's remarks about former Chinese leader Mao Zedong sparked outrage, the fallout remains unresolved, with Chinese authorities now in communication with Real Madrid and LaLiga.
The latest development came on Friday, November 6, when China's ambassador to Spain, Yao Jing, confirmed that Beijing was in contact with the Spanish football giants over the incident. While there have been no formal negotiations, the communication is aimed at reaching a mutual understanding and addressing the concerns raised in China.
"There are no negotiations, but there is communication, based on mutual understanding," Yao told Spanish news agency EFE before attending a forum at the University of Salamanca.
"This unfortunate incident hurt the feelings of many people in China, who now have to come to terms with the current situation," he added.
The controversy has already resulted in apologies from Mbappe, Real Madrid and LaLiga,…
The extensive regional tour marks an ambitious return for the pontiff to the continent where he previously served two decades as a missionary priest. His travels unfold against the backdrop of a declining Catholic demographic across Latin America, alongside significant personal health concerns following recent cancer surgery.
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