{
  "id": 16915410,
  "title": "How an Mbappe Meme Sparked a Diplomatic Controversy With China",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/28/how-an-mbappe-meme-sparked-a-diplomatic-controversy-with-china",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-28T15:14:47.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Colombia One",
    "slug": "colombia-one",
    "url": "https://colombiaone.com/2026/10/28/mbappe-china/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A joke about an internet meme cost Kylian Mbappe at least three Chinese sponsors, pulled Spanish football off China’s state television, and led to the president of La Liga meeting with China’s ambassador in Madrid. In a short video linked to The Bridge, Mbappe was asked which meme of himself made him laugh the most. He described a video of “a Chinese dictator” with his own face on it, though he never mentioned Mao Zedong’s name. The clip featured an image of the late chairman with Mbappe’s face superimposed, and he said his friends used it constantly while playing video games. Despite not naming Mao, the clip resurfaced on Chinese social media after being mentioned on an online football forum, prompting a backlash from various parties. Dairy giant Mengniu, drinks company Dongpeng, and Milkground all ended partnerships with Mbappe, while China’s Football Association demanded a public apology from Real Madrid. China Media Group, the parent company of state broadcaster CCTV, suspended La Liga broadcasts and matches involving Mbappe, rejecting Real Madrid's claim that the player didn’t mean to offend. Foreign Minister Guo Jiakun said Beijing valued Mbappe’s apology, but wouldn’t confirm if the measures would be lifted. The incident highlights the sensitivity surrounding Mao Zedong in Chinese public life, where criticizing him is seen as criticizing the country itself. The controversy also demonstrated the commercial stakes involved, with Mbappe’s boot deal with On and La Liga’s presence in China at risk. Mbappe apologized in French, Mandarin, and English, acknowledging his comment was \"ill-judged\" and expressing respect for the Chinese people and their history. La Liga's president, Javier Tebas, also apologized, citing their strategic agreement with China and their football schools there. Real Madrid followed suit, apologizing for any discomfort caused. The episode emphasizes how a seemingly harmless meme can have significant consequences due to the cultural and commercial sensitivities involved.",
  "summary": "In a matter of days, a joke about an internet meme has cost Kylian Mbappe at least three Chinese sponsors, pulled Spanish football off China’s state television, and sent the president of La Liga to a meeting with China’s ambassador in Madrid. In a short video linked to The Bridge, the YouTube channel co-founded by […]",
  "key_points": [
    "Kylian Mbappe's meme referencing Chinese dictator sparked controversy",
    "Three Chinese sponsors dropped Mbappe after meme resurfaced online",
    "La Liga and Real Madrid faced diplomatic pushback from China"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}