Mao Zedong Controversy: After Mbappé Boycott, China Begins Thaw with Real Madrid

After Kylian Mbappé joked about a meme linking him to Mao Zedong, sparking an outcry in China, boycott measures targeted the player and La Liga, including the suspension of broadcasts of some matches. China’s ambassador to Spain, Yao Jing, confirmed that exchanges were underway with Real Madrid and Spanish football representatives, but said they were not official negotiations. He acknowledged that the incident had offended many Chinese people and urged patience. The exchanges suggest tensions may be easing, although a return to normal has not yet been secured.