French international and Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappé has apologized for making an “ill-judged” joke about a Chinese dictator.

Mbappe reportedly said on a podcast that his favourite meme has his face superimposed onto the body of former Chinese dictator Mao Zedong. However, the comment was received badly in China, where Mao is revered by the Communist Party despite his rule leaving millions of people dead.

Some in China accused Mbappé of benefiting financially from fans and major brand deals yet not respecting the people who live there. Chinese soccer forum Dongqiudi called it “inappropriate” and said his words “hurt the feelings of Chinese people.”

“My comment was ill-judged, and I now understand that it hurt many people in China and in Chinese communities around the world,” he said. “I apologize to everyone my words have upset.”

“Our company firmly opposes and has a zero-tolerance policy towards any behaviour that offends national sentiments,” said drinks titan Dongpeng, for which Mbappé is a brand ambassador.

The soccer star lost to England’s striker Harry Kane in the race for Football’s most prestigious personal accomplishment Ballon d’Or having been both nominated for the award.

The original clip has since been brought down online.