Mbappé apologises as three Chinese brands drop him over Mao meme

📰 Clásico hero Kylian Mbappé has lost three Chinese sponsors and issued a public apology over a 'Chinese dictator' meme remark. 📌 Key points 🎥 In a clip, Mbappé named a meme putting his face on 'a Chinese dictator' as his favourite. 🚫 Dongpeng, Mengniu and Milkground all ended their deals with him. 🙏 On 27 October he apologised in three languages, calling the remark 'ill-judged'. 🏛️ LaLiga and president Javier Tebas also apologised to Chinese fans. 📺 Reports say CCTV's parent group halted LaLiga coverage, but it is unconfirmed. 📝 What happened 🎥 In a short clip linked to the French online show The Bridge, Mbappé was asked which meme of himself he liked most and pointed to one of 'a guy… I think he's a Chinese dictator' – an edited image of his face on Mao Zedong's body. AFP said it could not immediately verify the footage. 🚫 On 27 October drinks brand Dongpeng said it was 'terminating all cooperation' with immediate effect, and dairy firm Mengniu and cheese brand Milkground followed with statements about hurting the feelings of the Chinese people. According to Football España, Dior, On and Hublot also removed Mbappé content from Weibo. 🙏 Mbappé responded the same day with a statement in French, Chinese and English, saying his words were 'ill-judged', apologising to everyone they had upset and insisting it was 'absolutely not my intention'. He stressed his deep respect for the Chinese people and their history. 🏛️ The fallout reached the league. Tebas wrote on X that LaLiga 'deeply regrets the dissatisfaction and offence caused in China' and apologised on its behalf. China's foreign ministry said hurtful words and actions would meet opposition across Chinese society. 📊 By the numbers • Chinese brands to end deals: 3 (Dongpeng, Mengniu, Milkground) • Languages of the apology: 3 (French, Chinese, English) • Two days earlier: two goals in Madrid's 2-1 Clásico win 🔭 Why it matters A personal gaffe has become a China-market problem for Real Madrid and LaLiga. Reports citing Shanghai outlet The Paper say CCTV's parent group suspended broadcasts involving LaLiga and Mbappé, but CCTV has made no official announcement and this weekend's LaLiga games reportedly remain on its online schedule. Madrid travel to Racing Santander on 1 November – whether that game is shown in China is the next thing to watch.