# Mbappe apologizes over apparent Mao ‘dictator’ remark as Chinese sponsors drop him and TV halts La Liga broadcasts

https://mins.news/en/item/117758

- DW, 2026-10-27 16:49 UTC
- Sports
- Original: https://www.dw.com/en/mbappe-apologizes-as-chinese-sponsors-drop-him-and-tv-broadcasts-are-halted-over-mao-dictator-remark/a-79779831?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf

> French soccer star Kylian Mbappe apologized after a circulating video appeared to show him calling Mao Zedong a dictator. Three Chinese companies ended sponsorship ties with him, and state broadcaster CCTV suspended La Liga broadcasts and removed Mbappe ads. La Liga said the remarks were made in a personal capacity and apologized for the controversy.

## Related coverage

- [Mbappe apologizes to China after Mao 'dictator' remark sparks backlash](https://mins.news/en/video/118987) — Reuters, 2026-10-28
- [Watch: The Mbappé-Mao controversy explained](https://mins.news/en/item/117977) — BBC News, 2026-10-27
- [Mbappé apologizes for apparent remark referring to Mao Zedong as a dictator](https://mins.news/en/item/117548) — CNN, 2026-10-27
- [Mbappe apologises after ‘dictator’ comment angers Chinese fans](https://mins.news/en/item/117401) — Al Jazeera, 2026-10-27
