Mbappe, Real Madrid and LaLiga Face Long Road to Repair China Relations After Mao Remarks

Posted : 29 October 2026

Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid and LaLiga have apologised to China following the French striker’s controversial comments about former Chinese leader Mao Zedong. However, experts believe the apologies may not be enough to restore their reputations or commercial relationships in the country anytime soon.

The controversy erupted after a video circulated online showing Mbappe discussing an internet meme featuring his face superimposed on Mao. The Real Madrid forward said he found the image amusing, describing its subject as a Chinese dictator.

His comments triggered widespread criticism in China, where Mao remains a revered historical figure despite the millions of deaths attributed to policies implemented under his leadership.

The backlash quickly spread beyond social media, with Chinese companies ending commercial partnerships with the 27-year-old footballer.

China Media Group, which oversees state broadcaster CCTV, also suspended broadcasts of Spanish league matches, creating concerns about the financial consequences for both Real Madrid and LaLiga.

Mbappe issued an apology in multiple languages, acknowledging that his remarks were poorly judged and had hurt people in China and Chinese communities worldwide.

Real Madrid subsequently released its own statement expressing regret over the offence caused, while LaLiga and its president, Javier Tebas, also apologised to Chinese supporters. China's Foreign Ministry said it took Mbappe's apology seriously.

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Despite the apologies, sports commentators warn that rebuilding trust could take considerable time. Veteran Chinese sports commentator Yan Qiang described the incident as damaging to the reputations of both Real Madrid and LaLiga, stressing that an apology does not necessarily bring an end to public anger.

The controversy has also revived memories of China's dispute with the National Basketball Association in 2019. The NBA faced a prolonged broadcasting blackout after then-Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey expressed support for Hong Kong protesters. The dispute resulted in substantial financial losses, with the league's commissioner, Adam Silver, previously estimating the impact at hundreds of millions of dollars.

Analysts say the latest incident demonstrates how public sentiment and state media coverage can combine to intensify pressure on foreign sports organisations.

The financial stakes are significant for Spanish football. China and the United States account for a substantial share of LaLiga's international broadcasting revenue, while Real Madrid reportedly generates between 10 and 15 per cent of its merchandise sales in China.

The club also has commercial relationships with Chinese companies, making the market particularly important to its global business strategy.

Adam Zhang, founder of Beijing-based Key-Solution Sports Consulting, said Mbappe's response and the sincerity of the apologies could influence how long restrictions remain in place. However, experts caution that the future of the suspended broadcasts and the player's commercial partnerships remains uncertain.

Yan believes the immediate outlook is challenging for Mbappe, Real Madrid and LaLiga. He argued that restoring their standing in China will depend not only on expressions of regret but also on their conduct in the months ahead.

Mbappe, Real Madrid and LaLiga Face Long Road to Repair China Relations After Mao Remarks

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