The controversy surrounding Kylian Mbappé shows no signs of dying down. Despite issuing public apologies in French, English, and Mandarin, the Real Madrid player continues to face backlash in China. Mbappé had referred to Mao Zedong as a "Chinese dictator" during a humorous sketch on the podcast The Bridge, sparking widespread outrage.
Luo Huiling, a professor of Asian studies at the Complutense University of Madrid, explained that Mbappé's comments had crossed a cultural "red line." She emphasized that the French player's words were not just a joke, but a serious offense that had resonated deeply with the Chinese public. Many in China still hold Mao in high esteem, and Luo Huiling believes that Mbappé's apology, although a positive step, does not go far enough.
The consequences of Mbappé's comments have been significant. Several Chinese companies, including Dongpeng, Mengniu, and Milkground, have ended their commercial partnerships with the player. In addition, state broadcaster CCTV has suspended broadcasts of Liga matches. The Real Madrid club has also issued an apology in an effort to preserve its relationship with the Chinese market.
Luo Huiling stressed that resolving the crisis will require a genuine acknowledgment of the offense caused. She highlighted the importance of respecting historical figures in China, where a 2018 law protects the memory of national heroes and martyrs. The professor suggested that using terms like "leader" or "dirigeant" might have sparked less controversy than "dictator."
While the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has accepted Mbappé's apology, no decision has been made to lift the commercial and media restrictions. Luo Huiling remains optimistic that a reconciliation is possible if Mbappé and Real Madrid demonstrate a willingness to repair relations with China.
The incident has sparked a wider debate about cultural sensitivity and the importance of understanding historical context. It has also raised questions about the responsibilities of high-profile athletes as cultural ambassadors. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Mbappé and Real Madrid will navigate the complexities of international diplomacy.
The controversy has also sparked a reaction in Mali, where Mbappé's comments were widely reported. While some have expressed support for the player, others have criticized his lack of cultural awareness. The incident serves as a reminder of the global reach of sports and the need for athletes to be mindful of their words and actions.
Key points
- Mbappé's apology has not eased tensions with China due to the severity of the offense caused.
- Several Chinese companies have ended commercial partnerships with Mbappé, and CCTV has suspended Liga broadcasts.
- A genuine acknowledgment of the offense caused is necessary to resolve the crisis, according to Luo Huiling.
