Why Kylian Mbappe angered China – and the possible consequences for him, Madrid and La Liga
New York Times
Last updated: October 28, 2026
Kylian Mbappé has reportedly angered China due to footage showing him joking about a meme that depicted him as Mao Zedong, the former leader of China. This incident carries potential consequences for the footballer, Real Madrid, and La Liga.
- Mbappé's comments were made during a promotional event for his former club, Paris Saint-Germain, alongside teammate Aurélien Tchouaméni. They were reportedly laughing at an image linking Mbappé to Mao Zedong, shared by a French influencer.
- The Chinese Football Association (CFA) has been informed of the incident. While there are no official statements from the CFA, the reaction within China has been negative, with many viewing the comparison as disrespectful and insulting to the country's history and people.
- The potential consequences for Mbappé include a backlash from Chinese fans and potential career repercussions in the lucrative Chinese market. For La Liga, which has been actively trying to expand its presence in China, this incident could jeopardize those efforts.
- Real Madrid, who are heavily linked with a future transfer for Mbappé, might also face pressure or boycotts from Chinese supporters if the situation escalates. The economic implications for Spanish football's governing body and its clubs in China are a significant concern.
