Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe apologizes after Mao meme comments amid growing backlash in China

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Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe apologized after making comments about a meme featuring former Chinese leader Mao Zedong, which led to a backlash from Chinese state television and sponsors. Mbappe told French talk show "The Bridge" that a meme with his face on an image resembling Mao made him laugh. Two Chinese brands, Mengniu and Dongpeng, issued statements condemning Mbappe's statements. They expressed zero-tolerance policies towards words or actions that hurt the feelings of the Chinese people.

The backlash against Mbappe was significant, with Chinese state broadcaster CCTV's apps stopping news related to the player and LaLiga matches. LaLiga issued a statement defending their agreement with Chinese state television and apologizing on behalf of LaLiga and its clubs. They expressed their commitment to a relationship built over many years with China and its people.

Mbappe's apology statement acknowledged that his comment was not appropriate and hurt the feelings of many people in China. He expressed deep respect for the Chinese people and their history, and sincere regret for his words. LaLiga president Javier Tebas also addressed the situation, stating that they were taking measures to resolve it and working directly with their partners and counterparts in China.