French soccer superstar has conquered many of the world’s toughest defenses. But he met his match in the — and the formidable combination of state power, corporate money, and nationalist outrage behind it.
In a circulating video clip, he appeared to refer to as a “Chinese dictator.” China’s response was swift. State television reportedly stopped airing his matches and removed his advertisements. Three Chinese sponsors severed ties. State media denounced him, and China’s Foreign Ministry warned that remarks offending Chinese people would meet collective resistance. Mbappé apologized. Even Real Madrid, the club for which Mbappé plays, and Spain’s La Liga sports league joined the apologies.
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