Global soccer sensation Kylian Mbappé of Real Madrid found himself in hot water after referencing an internet meme featuring Chinese revolutionary leader Mao Zedong. The fallout was swift, with Chinese companies terminating advertising deals and state media pulling the plug on La Liga broadcasts. In response, Mbappé issued a public apology, while the La Liga president scrambled to make amends with Chinese fans.
Reuters and other international media outlets reported on Wednesday that Mbappé, during a recent interview with French online show The Bridge, mentioned an image reminiscent of the Chinese leader as the funniest meme featuring himself.
The controversy erupted over a viral image that superimposed Mbappé’s face onto a photo of Mao Zedong, sparking outrage and accusations of disrespect towards China and its people.
Mao Zedong, the founding father of the People’s Republic of China, remains a politically charged and historically significant figure in the country.
The backlash quickly snowballed into a commercial crisis for the soccer star.
Chinese beverage giant Dongfeng, along with dairy powerhouses Mengniu and Milkground, swiftly announced the termination of their partnerships with Mbappé.
Reports suggest that Chinese state broadcaster CCTV has pulled the plug on La Liga matches and games featuring Mbappé. The Chinese Foreign Ministry weighed in, warning that comments offending Chinese sensibilities would face widespread public backlash.
Faced with mounting pressure, Mbappé issued a contrite statement.
The soccer star acknowledged his faux pas, expressing remorse for hurting the Chinese community globally. He emphasized his profound respect for Chinese people and their rich history, offering a heartfelt apology to those offended by his remarks.
La Liga officials also rushed to contain the damage. League President Javier Tebas bowed in apology to Chinese fans, drawing a clear line between Mbappé’s personal views and the official stance of the league and its clubs.
Tebas expressed deep regret over the breach of trust with Chinese fans, vowing to work closely with Chinese officials to resolve the issue and mend fences.
In a bid to prevent future public relations (PR) disasters, La Liga is developing new protocols to enhance cultural sensitivity and improve communication with clubs and players. The league recognizes the far-reaching impact of individual comments on its brand, member clubs, and vast Chinese fan base.