Mao Zedong Controversy: China Responds to Kylian Mbappé’s Apology

China’s Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday, October 28, that it took Kylian Mbappé’s apology seriously after remarks attributed to him described Mao Zedong as a dictator. The comments prompted strong reactions on Chinese social media, where the former leader’s legacy remains a sensitive subject. Mbappé acknowledged that his words may have offended some Chinese people, and Real Madrid reportedly also apologized to the Chinese public. Media reports say the controversy may have strained some of the player’s commercial partnerships, though its impact on his advertising contracts remains unclear.