Business · Bangladesh Bureau
Mbappe apologises for Mao Zedong remark as Chinese sponsors withdraw
French football star Kylian Mbappe has issued an apology following backlash over comments about Chinese historical figure Mao Zedong, prompting Chinese commercial partners to distance themselves from the player.
LSN Bangladesh ·
Kylian Mbappe, one of football's most prominent figures, has apologised for remarks regarding Mao Zedong after facing criticism from Chinese sponsors and the public. The controversy emerged following the player's comments, which were perceived as disrespectful by audiences in China and among Chinese business entities supporting his career.
The fallout has been swift, with several Chinese sponsors terminating their association with the Paris Saint-Germain forward. This represents a significant commercial setback for Mbappe, as the Chinese market represents a substantial revenue stream for international sports personalities and athletes seeking global endorsement deals.
Mbappe's apology comes as part of efforts to repair the damage to his reputation and commercial interests in one of the world's largest consumer markets. The incident underscores the sensitivities surrounding historical figures in China and the potential consequences for international celebrities who make insensitive public statements.
The player's statement acknowledged the offense caused and expressed regret for any hurt resulting from his words. Whether the apology will be sufficient to restore relations with Chinese sponsors and the broader Chinese public remains uncertain at this stage.
Photo: Kylian Mbappé celebrates during France v Sweden at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, June 2026. Bryan Berlin via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).