Real Madrid Apologise to China Over Kylian Mbappé’s Mao Zedong Remarks

Posted : 28 October 2026

Real Madrid have issued a formal apology to the Chinese public following the controversy surrounding comments made by their star forward Kylian Mbappé about former Chinese leader Mao Zedong. The club released its statement on Wednesday, October 28, expressing regret over the offence caused and reaffirming its respect for China, its history, culture and people.

In its statement, the Spanish giants said they supported the apology previously made by Mbappé, who acknowledged that his remarks had been poorly judged. The club also highlighted its appreciation for the millions of Chinese supporters who follow Real Madrid, emphasising the importance of maintaining positive relationships with the country.

The controversy began after a video from an interview on a French online programme circulated on social media. During the discussion, Mbappé spoke about an internet meme featuring his face edited onto the image of a Chinese dictator, apparently referring to Mao Zedong. The footage was subsequently removed, but it had already triggered widespread criticism in China.

Mbappé later apologised, admitting that his comments had upset people in China and Chinese communities elsewhere. He expressed regret over his choice of words and reiterated his respect for the Chinese people and their history. However, the controversy had already affected his commercial relationships, with several Chinese companies terminating their partnerships with the footballer.

Among the companies that ended their agreements with the France international were beverage manufacturer Dongpeng, dairy producer Mengniu and cheese company Milkground. The brands cited their opposition to remarks or actions considered offensive to Chinese national sentiment.

The repercussions have also extended to Spanish football. La Liga issued an apology over the incident, describing Mbappé’s comments as personal rather than representative of the league. Despite these efforts, China Media Group suspended broadcasts of Spanish league matches and other games featuring the Real Madrid forward, while also removing advertisements featuring him.

Real Madrid’s apology has not immediately resolved the dispute. Reports on Wednesday indicated that the Chinese state broadcaster continued to demand a satisfactory response from the club, highlighting the continuing uncertainty over when Spanish football coverage might resume in China.

The incident presents a commercial challenge for Real Madrid, which has a substantial following in China and maintains important relationships with Chinese audiences and business partners. The club’s public statement appears aimed at limiting the damage and reinforcing its commitment to those supporters.

For Mbappé, the episode has become a significant off-field controversy, with consequences extending beyond criticism on social media to sponsorship losses and restrictions on football broadcasts. Although both the player and his club have expressed regret, the longer-term impact on his commercial partnerships and Spanish football’s presence in China remains uncertain.

Real Madrid Apologise to China Over Kylian Mbappé’s Mao Zedong Remarks

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