Kylian Mbappé finds himself in a new controversy. The French forward of Real Madrid made an ill-received joke in China. The Chinese government has even decided to make it a matter of national importance.
“A Chinese dictator.” This is how “Kyky” referred to Mao Zedong, the founder of the Chinese revolution. The captain of the French national team was referencing images where his face is superimposed on that of the former Chinese leader. “What made me laugh the most was when they aired a video of a man, a Chinese dictator I believe, with my head. I often use it with my friends online, in video games,” said Kylian Mbappé during the podcast The Bridge, alongside his teammate Aurélien Tchouaméni.
These comments have been deemed inappropriate by the Chinese government. Authorities claim that Mbappé's remarks “hurt national sentiments.” Retaliation came swiftly. China has suspended the broadcast of La Liga matches featuring Kylian Mbappé. Additionally, three Chinese companies announced the end of their partnerships with the former AS Monaco and PSG player.
