Real Madrid apologises to China after Kylian Mbappe Mao image controversy

Real Madrid has apologised to the people of China after comments by Kylian Mbappe prompted China’s state broadcaster to suspend La Liga coverage and remove content featuring the forward.

The broadcaster’s decision, reported by Chinese newspaper The Paper citing sources inside the organisation, took effect on Tuesday evening. It included the removal of advertisements and videos showing Mbappe.

Real Madrid issued its statement a day after apologies from Mbappe and La Liga.

“Real Madrid would like to apologise to the Chinese people for the offence that may have been caused by the recent comments made by our player Kylian Mbappe,” the club said.

“Our club has the deepest respect for China, its history, culture and people, as well as for the millions of Chinese fans who have affection and admiration for Real Madrid.

“We join the public apology issued by Kylian Mbappe, in which he expressed regret for his comments and reaffirmed his respect for the Chinese people.

“Real Madrid once again confirms its commitment to the values of respect, coexistence and understanding between cultures, and wishes to continue strengthening the bonds of friendship and affection that connect it with China and its people.”

Mbappe had apologised in French, Chinese and English in a statement posted on X.

“During a recent interview, I commented on an image of myself. My comment was inappropriate, and I now realise that it hurt the feelings of many people in China and Chinese communities around the world,” he said.

“I apologise to everyone who was upset by my words. That was never my intention. I have deep respect for the Chinese people and their history, and I express my sincere regret.”

La Liga had apologised before Mbappe, saying the remarks were made in a personal capacity and did not represent the organisation. It apologised on behalf of the league and its clubs, reaffirmed its respect for China, its institutions and people, and said it was working with Chinese partners and institutions.

La Liga also said it would introduce, with clubs and players, an awareness and communications protocol designed to promote respect for different cultures and help prevent similar incidents.

China warned that words or actions hurting the feelings of its people would be rejected across society. Several companies ended their commercial relationships with Mbappe, including beverage group Dongpeng and dairy companies Mengniu and Milk Ground.

Dongpeng and its Bo Shui La brand announced on Weibo that they had immediately cut ties with the player, saying they would not tolerate behaviour that hurt national feelings. Mengniu and Milk Ground also ended their agreements with Mbappe, without specifying the incident behind their decisions.

Mbappe’s Bo Shui La advertisements had appeared regularly on billboards, buses and lifts in Chinese cities in recent months, particularly last summer during the 2026 World Cup. Mengniu is one of China’s biggest dairy groups and has international sports partnerships involving the World Cup and the International Olympic Committee, as well as Lionel Messi. Milk Ground had also used Mbappe in its advertising.

Xiaohongshu, internationally known as RedNote, said its partnership with Mbappe ended on 31 December 2024 when the contract expired. It added that it was reviewing content linked to him and removing some posts.

Chinese sports website Dongqiudi replaced Mbappe’s name with “There is no such person” in its 2026 Ballon d’Or ranking, in which the Real Madrid forward was second.

The controversy began when Mbappe was asked about his favourite satirical image. He replied: “The one that made me laugh most is the one where they put my face on a picture of a Chinese dictator. I use it a lot with my friends.”

Although he did not name a specific leader, an edited image showing Mbappe’s face on a picture of former Chinese leader Mao Zedong had circulated on social media.

Mockery of former leaders and prominent figures linked to China’s ruling Communist Party is strictly restricted and can lead to legal action for defaming heroes and martyrs.

The dispute follows previous tensions involving Spanish football and China. In September 2024, Chinese state media criticised Real Madrid over a message that referred to Nepal and Tibet together after flooding. Barcelona apologised in April after a Taiwan flag appeared on a page connected to its international academy, while Real Madrid apologised in February over an Instagram repost attributed to defender Dean Huijsen that was considered racist and offensive to Asians.