Mbappé Apology May Not Repair Real Madrid’s Image in China, Experts Warn

Kylian Mbappé’s apology over comments about former Chinese leader Mao Zedong may not be enough to restore his reputation in China, where the controversy has triggered criticism, commercial fallout and reported disruption to La Liga broadcasts.

The France captain became embroiled in the dispute after a video circulated online showing him discussing an internet meme that placed his face on an image of a figure he described as a Chinese dictator.

Mao remains an officially revered figure in China as the leader of the communist revolution and founder of the People’s Republic of China. Although historians hold him responsible for policies that caused millions of deaths, public mockery of the former leader remains politically sensitive.

The remarks prompted criticism from Chinese state media and social media users. Major Chinese brands reportedly cut ties with Mbappé, while Spanish top-flight matches were set to be removed from state broadcaster CCTV.

Within two days, Mbappé, his club Real Madrid and La Liga had issued apologies. A spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry said Beijing took Mbappé’s apology seriously.

‘Serious Damage’ to La Liga and Real Madrid

Veteran sports commentator Yan Qiang told AFP that the controversy had caused significant reputational damage to La Liga and Real Madrid in China.

He warned that an apology did not necessarily bring an end to public criticism, particularly when online discussions spread quickly and emotions intensified.

Yan said an apology was preferable to silence but argued that the parties involved would need to demonstrate through their future actions that they understood the seriousness of the incident.

The dispute reflects the risks international sports figures face when their remarks touch on politically sensitive issues in China, a major market for global leagues, clubs and sponsors.

NBA Dispute Offers a Warning

The controversy has drawn comparisons with the National Basketball Association’s dispute with China in 2019, when then-Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey expressed support for Hong Kong protesters in a social media post.

The NBA subsequently faced a prolonged broadcasting blackout on Chinese state television. The league defended Morey’s right to express his views, while Chinese broadcasters and commercial partners responded by suspending their relationships with the NBA.

Pre-season NBA games returned to China in 2025, according to the report, after years of strained relations.

Debby Chan, a lecturer at Australian National University, described the episode involving the NBA and the latest controversy around Mbappé as examples of consumer nationalism. She said online sentiment and state media coverage can reinforce one another, creating a cycle of public outrage.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver previously said the dispute cost the league hundreds of millions of dollars.

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Commercial Stakes for Spanish Football

China represents an important market for international football broadcasting, sponsorships and merchandise sales.

A source within La Liga told AFP that China and the United States accounted for the majority of its international broadcasting-rights revenue. Those rights were valued at €748 million, or about $834 million, for the 2024–25 season.

Real Madrid also has substantial commercial interests in China. According to the club-affiliated newspaper Marca, China accounts for an estimated 10 to 15 per cent of the club’s jersey and merchandise sales.

Chinese companies, including Hisense and Linglong Tire, have also featured among Real Madrid’s commercial partners. The report additionally names sports betting company Kaiyun Sports.

The potential consequences extend beyond Mbappé’s personal reputation. Any prolonged disruption to broadcasts or sponsorship relationships could affect the commercial interests of both Real Madrid and La Liga.

Future Actions Will Shape the Fallout

Adam Zhang, founder of Beijing-based Key-Solution Sports Consulting, said a prompt and sincere apology was an important first step. However, he noted that the response could influence decisions about whether a broadcasting ban continues and how long it lasts.

Yan questioned whether Mbappé could fully recover his standing in China, given his prominence in advertising campaigns and commercial partnerships.

He said the incident could have serious consequences for the player, the club and the league if Mbappé’s commercial influence in China weakened.

Yan added that the long-term outcome remained difficult to predict. Future conduct by Mbappé, Real Madrid and La Liga would be crucial to any effort to repair their reputations and relationships in the market.

The controversy highlights the challenge international sports organisations face when balancing global commercial ambitions with political sensitivities in major markets.