China Buys the West’s Obedience Again
Summary
Kylian Mbappé, Real Madrid and Spain’s La Liga apologized after a past remark about a “Chinese dictator” prompted backlash in China. Chinese companies canceled some of Mbappé’s deals, and state television suspended broadcasts of Real Madrid and La Liga matches, highlighting the financial stakes for the athlete and the organizations.Key Facts
- Mbappé said in an old interview that his favorite meme showed his face on the body of a “Chinese dictator”; the article says he did not recall Mao Zedong’s name.
- Mbappé apologized, saying his comment had hurt many people in China.
- At least three Chinese companies canceled brand deals with Mbappé, according to the article.
- China’s state television group suspended broadcasts of Real Madrid matches and La Liga matches.
- An estimate cited by Chinese media put at least one-third of Mbappé’s $30 million annual commercial income in China.
- The article says Real Madrid earns up to 15 percent of its international merchandising revenue from China, where Mbappé’s No. 10 shirt is its top-selling item.
- La Liga’s financial report showed that media rights generated more than $1.7 billion, nearly a third of its income in the 2024–2025 season.
- The article also cites past apologies by John Cena, James Harden and Marriott International after incidents involving Chinese political sensitivities.
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