Real Madrid issued an apology on Wednesday after their French forward Kylian Mbappe faced significant criticism for referring to the late Chinese leader Mao Zedong as a dictator during a podcast discussion.

The controversy began when Mbappe, in a video that was later removed, recounted a humorous meme in which his face was edited onto the image of “some guy — I think he’s a Chinese dictator.” Following the remarks, several Chinese companies, including Mengniu Dairy, Shanghai Milkground Food Tech, and Eastroc Beverage, ended their partnerships with the player. Mbappe subsequently apologized for his comment.

In response to the backlash, Real Madrid released a statement expressing regret for any offense caused by their player’s words. The club emphasized its respect for China’s history, culture, and citizens, as well as for the millions of Chinese fans who support the team.

The incident underscores the sensitivities surrounding public discourse about Mao Zedong, who led China from 1949 until his death in 1976 and remains a highly revered and politically significant figure in the country. Satire involving Mao continues to be widely taboo in China, making Mbappe’s remarks a notable misstep in a market where both athletes and brands are heavily invested.

Mbappe’s association with the term "dictator" in the media partly stems from memes circulating in Europe that portray him with influence akin to that of a political leader, playing on his leadership qualities on the football field.

When asked about Mbappe’s apology, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated that the government "takes seriously the apology that the person has made," signaling official acknowledgment but stopping short of further comment.

This episode highlights the complexities international athletes and brands face in navigating cultural and political sensitivities in China’s expanding commercial landscape.