Kylian Mbappe apologised on Tuesday for comments that offended Chinese communities and fans around the world. The 27-year-old Real Madrid player stated, "My comment was ill-judged, and I now understand that it hurt many people in China and in Chinese communities around the world. I apologise to everyone my words have upset."
China Media Group (CMG) announced that Chinese state television is suspending broadcasts of matches from the Spanish league. The CMG also called for Real Madrid to issue an apology.
La Liga expressed deep regret over the offence caused by the player's recent remarks among Chinese supporters. Javier Tebas, Liga President, issued an apology on X.
Major Chinese brands including Mengniu, Shanghai Milkground Food Tech, and Eastroc Beverage are ceasing all cooperation with Mbappe. Dongpeng Beverage ended its cooperation with the footballer, a move that became the top-trending topic on Weibo with 430 million views.
Dongpeng's spokesperson, Dongpeng, said, "Our company firmly opposes and has a zero-tolerance policy towards any behaviour that offends national sentiments." Spokesman Guo Jiakun stated that words and actions hurting the feelings of the Chinese people will naturally be met with unanimous rejection from all sectors of Chinese society.
A spokesperson for China's Foreign Ministry added that such actions will be met with joint opposition from all sectors of Chinese society. CCTV expressed hope that Liga, Real Madrid, and Mbappe will learn a lesson, offer a sincere apology, and thoroughly correct their mistakes.
The Paper reported that China's state television has halted broadcasts of all matches and events involving LaLiga and Mbappe. Mbappe finished as the runner-up to Harry Kane for the Ballon d'Or award on Monday.
