What Black Soccer Star Kylian Mbappé Said That Got Him in Big Trouble in China

French soccer star Kylian Mbappé is feeling the wrath of an entire nation after referring to China’s former leader Mao Zedong as a dictator. Now, the forward, who plays for Real Madrid and serves as captain of the French national soccer team, is losing millions in sponsorship deals and facing fallout after his remarks led to the entire Spanish soccer league, LaLiga, being banned from streaming in East Asia.

First, some context: In the world of soccer, comparing Mbappé to a dictator is a popular joke. The meme began during his time at Paris Saint-Germain in the French league, where he earned the reputation due to his influence on and off the pitch. The gag often involves comparing Mbappé to well-known dictators, such as former Congolese President Mobutu Sese Seko, or photoshopping him in military gear.

However, the 27-year-old has said he doesn’t always enjoy the comparison. When asked how he feels about the meme by the French sports publication L’Équipe in September, Mbappé said he doesn’t think it’s funny to compare him to people who have caused real harm to others.

“It is in part funny because you get the sense that, for some people, it’s all in good fun. But there is also the part that is not so funny, because we know the damage these kinds of people have caused throughout history,” he said.

Now, Mbappé is under fire for laughing at the same jokes folks made about him online. In a deleted clip from the French soccer show “The Bridge,” the Real Madrid player was asked about the funniest meme he has seen of himself online. He responded that he laughed when people started photoshopping his face onto the body of someone he thought was a “Chinese dictator,” referencing Mao, according to Al Jazeera.

While Mbappé may have gotten a laugh out of it, the People’s Republic of China hasn’t appreciated the superstar calling Mao a dictator. The controversy has led Chinese companies to drop the French captain, with brands ending sponsorships with him “effective immediately,” according to The Athletic.

But the comments are bigger than Mbappé, as the entire Spanish soccer league, LaLiga, has been affected. Because he plays for the Spanish team Real Madrid, LaLiga broadcasts have been suspended indefinitely in the East Asian country. This could cost the league up to $116 million in sponsorship deals, commercial rights, and broadcasting revenues tied to China, according to the sports publication beIN SPORTS.

On Tuesday, after his comments went viral, Mbappé issued a formal apology on X, writing: “My comment was ill-judged, and I now understand that it hurt many people in China and Chinese communities around the world. I apologize to everyone my words have upset. This was absolutely not my intention. I have deep respect for the Chinese people and their history, and I am sincerely sorry.”

Real Madrid also issued an apology, and LaLiga President Javier Tebas met with China’s Ambassador to Spain to find a solution for how Mbappé can remedy the situation, according to ESPN.

While businesses, broadcasters, and soccer fans in China have responded by cutting ties, some Chinese fans on social media have already forgiven the forward, arguing that an apology was unnecessary.

“No need to apologize. After watching your China trip, I already know your attitude toward Chinese fans. A small thing was maliciously misinterpreted by the media. Although people in China will still criticize you, no matter what they say, I will always support you. Kylian,” wrote one fan with a heart emoji.

“Damn impressive. First time I’ve seen an international big shot publicly apologize on X. Mbappé’s a real man,” commented another.

After losing the bid for soccer’s highest honor, the Ballon d’Or, on Monday, Oct. 26, and finishing second to English team captain Harry Kane, Mbappé is now also facing the loss of millions in sponsorships and a ban on the entire Spanish soccer league in China. This week has indeed been a rough ride for the soccer star.