Most athletes are willing to shut up and play ball when it comes to China. And those who don’t often choose to apologize for it.
French soccer superstar Kylian Mbappé is the latest example.
Mbappé apologized Tuesday after a video circulated showing him discussing a meme that superimposed his face over an image of Mao Zedong, the former vicious leader of China. Mbappé referred to Mao as a “dictator,” a nod to his own nickname on the soccer field.
He’s sorry for that.
“My comment was ill-judged, and I now understand that it hurt many people in China and in Chinese communities around the world,” Mbappé wrote. “I apologize to everyone my words have upset. I have deep respect for the Chinese people and their history, and I am sincerely sorry.”
The apology came after several Chinese companies ended their relationships with Mbappé. Chinese state broadcaster CCTV also suspended La Liga coverage, prompting the league to issue its own apology.
“La Liga deeply regrets the offense caused by Kylian Mbappé’s recent comments among Chinese fans. These comments were made in a personal capacity and do not represent LALIGA. To the extent of our institutional responsibility, we apologize on behalf of LALIGA and all its clubs,” the league said.
Athletes around the world brand themselves as courageous spokespeople for freedom, except when the subject is China.
There’s no better example of this than American superstar LeBron James.
In 2018, James said he “won’t be silent on social issues” because he is “more than a basketball player.” That statement apparently did not apply to China.
One year later, then-Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey posted an image on Twitter, now X, supporting pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong. The image read, “Fight For Freedom. Stand With Hong Kong.”
James responded by calling Morey “misinformed” and “not really educated” on the situation. He also warned other NBA players to consider the consequences of speaking out.
“And so many people could have been harmed, not only financially, physically, emotionally, spiritually,” James said. “So just be careful what we tweet and say and we do. Even though, yes, we do have freedom of speech, there can be a lot of negative that comes with that, too.”
Warning sent.
James Harden, then a Rockets star, even apologized for Morey’s post. “We apologize. We love China. We love playing there,” Harden said.
Meanwhile, Kyrie Irving, Stephen Curry and other NBA stars largely avoided criticizing China during the controversy, despite frequently denouncing the state of America.
John Cena, one of the most famous WWE stars of his generation, displayed similar obedience in 2021. While promoting Fast & Furious 9, Cena referred to Taiwan as a “country.” Chinese officials objected because Beijing claims Taiwan is a territory of China.
Cena then uploaded a video apologizing to China, speaking in Mandarin.
Tennis player Taylor Townsend apologized to China last year after criticizing food served during the 2025 Billie Jean King Cup in Shenzhen.
“What the hell?” Townsend said at one point about a dish featuring sea cucumbers. “This is crazy. I have never seen one of these up close, especially not to eat.”
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After Chinese viewers criticized her comments, Townsend said, “There is no excuse. There are no words. I will be better. I truly apologize.”
Notice that none of those apologies were warranted. The people of Hong Kong deserve freedom. Taiwan should be recognized as its own country. And some people will find unfamiliar food “crazy.” More notably, Mao was a dictator, and a ruthless one comparable to Adolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin.
Such apologies are cowardly. They underscore that these athletes are hardly courageous. They have proven that the lucrative Chinese market is worth their silence, and especially their apologies.
They have no problem shaming America because they can. There is no risk. When risk is involved, they bend the knee. They cower in fear of the Chinese Communist Party.
Kylian Mbappé is the latest.