A comment by Kilian Mbppés on a viral meme on the Internet has caused a severe reaction in China by placing Real Madrid’s star, the Madrile Club and La League in the face of a crisis that could have major financial consequences.
It all started from a short video in which the French assailant spoke of an image mounted by him, where his face was placed over the body of former Chinese leader Mao Ce Dun.
Mupé mentioned the picture as a Chinese dictator and admitted that he used it for humor among friends. However, his statement was interpreted as insulting by much of the public opinion in China.
How did the controversy begin?
The meme where Mbppé is represented as dictator has become known in social networks, where the sight of the attackers is also mounted in images of other historical figures, including Joseph Stalin. According to Goal.com, even inside Real Madrid’s dressing room these monsters have taken a sense of humor.
The video in question relates to an interview of Mbppés for French podcast The Bridge, in April 2025. She turned to attention and caused strong reactions, although the footballer did not directly mention Maon by name.
The response from China was immediate. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiak stated that words and actions that hurt Chinese people’s feelings will face widespread opposition.
The Chinese Football Federation also demanded that influential international athletes show responsibility and take care of public statements.
Mupé loses sponsors, football broadcasts suspended
The controversy did not remain only at the level of social networking reactions. According to international media reports, three Chinese companies, the producer of milk products Mengniu, the Dongbra liquor company, and the producer of the Milkgrove cheese, stopped their co-operation with the French attacker.
Meanwhile, Chinese state broadcaster China Media Group suspended the broadcast of La League matches and Mbppén-related content.
Football accounts on some Chinese social networking platforms were also limited, while some international brands removed advertising content where it appeared.
This situation is especially sensitive to Spanish football, as China represents an important market for television broadcasts, sponsors, and the sale of sports products.
Mupé, Real Madrid, and La League ask for forgiveness
In the face of severe reaction, Mbppé published an apology, acknowledging that his comment was inconsiderate and that he had hurt many people in China and Chinese communities worldwide. He stressed that he had not intended to offend and that he respects the Chinese people and their history.
A day later, Real Madrid also issued an official statement apologizing for the concern footballer’s words may have caused.
The club highlighted respect for China, its culture and citizens, as well as for millions of Chinese fans who support the Madrile team.
La League also expressed regret the reactions caused by Mbppés’ comments. Her president, Javier Tabas, apologised personally and announced that the league would work to improve communication and avoid similar situations in the future.
However, apologies have not fully solved the crisis. According to the Goal.com report, the Chinese broadcaster has rejected the explanations of Mbppés and Real Madrid, seeking further steps to repair relations.
Financial Effects Could Be Great
The case has brought the importance of the Chinese market to European football into focus. La League benefits a considerable share of the revenue from international television rights, while Real Madrid has a large base of fans and considerable sale of its products in China.
For Mupén, the damage can go beyond the loss of Chinese sponsors. Any further restrictions on this market can also affect its commercial value and relations with international companies targeting Asian audiences.
At the moment, it has not been known how much money can be lost Mbppé, Real Madrid or La League from this situation.
Also, it remains unclear when the broadcasts of La League matches in China will resume. A comment that initially looked like a joke about a meme on the Internet has thus turned into a problem with potentially major consequences for Spanish football. /Telegraphy/