Javier Tebas tries to mend Mbappé's controversy with China
On Tuesday, October 27, Javier Tebas, president of LaLiga, held a meeting with the Chinese ambassador to Spain to address the controversy generated by Kylian Mbappé’s statements that compare the Real Madrid striker to Mao Zedong, and announced that “We are looking for solutions”.
Mbappé meme and Chinese reaction
In a recent interview with the program The Bridge, Mbappé himself commented: “The one I’ve laughed at the most is the one where they use my face on a Chinese dictator. I use it a lot with my friends”. The comment sparked a wave of criticism in China, where the meme was perceived as a disrespect to the historic leader.
As a result, China broke several advertising agreements with the French striker and state television suspended the broadcast of LaLiga EA Sports matches in which the Real Madrid forward appeared. The controversy cost the player three advertising contracts with Chinese brands within a few hours.
Javier Tebas apologises to China after Mbappé meme with Mao
LaLiga dialogue with China and future of cooperation
Following the incidents, Mbappé issued a public apology for his words. For his part, Tebas posted on the social network X a photo alongside ambassador Ying, stating: “Today I held a meeting with the Chinese ambassador to Spain to address the situation generated by Kylian Mbappé’s statements and to seek solutions that allow us to overcome this episode”.
In his statement, Tebas highlighted the years of joint work between LaLiga and Chinese authorities, citing the strategic agreement with the Chinese Professional Football League (CFL), valid until 2029, and the agreements with China Media Group (CMG) among other joint projects.
La Liga distances itself from Mbappé after Mao controversy in China
The president emphasized that the relationship is based on mutual respect, trust and cooperation, and stated that “Our commitment is to continue working together so that an individual episode does not harm the important progress achieved nor affect the millions of Chinese fans who follow our competitions”. He concluded by assuring that China will remain a strategic partner for LaLiga.