The match was canceled in China because of a meme with Comrade Mao: the footballer apologized. The Real Madrid forward called Mao Zedong a dictator, commenting on a meme with his face on his portrait. After that, some Chinese brands broke advertising contracts with the football player. "My comment was thoughtless. Now I realize that she has influenced many people in China and Chinese communities around the world," Mbappe said. Real Madrid also apologized to the Chinese people. The Chinese Foreign Ministry said it accepted the footballer's apology, but declined to comment on the boycott.

The match was canceled in China because of a meme with Comrade Mao: the footballer apologized. The Real Madrid forward called Mao Zedong a dictator, commenting on a meme with his face on his portrait. After that, some Chinese brands broke advertising contracts with the football player. "My comment was thoughtless. Now I realize that she has influenced many people in China and Chinese communities around the world," Mbappe said. Real Madrid also apologized to the Chinese people. The Chinese Foreign Ministry said it accepted the footballer's apology, but declined to comment on the boycott.