China Media Group calls for Real Madrid apology over Kylian Mbappe row

Real Madrid’s decision not to apologise to China over comments by Kylian Mbappe has triggered a fresh backlash, with a spokesperson for the country’s China Media Group saying all discussions with the club are suspended until an apology is issued.

The dispute began after a video circulated showing the Real Madrid forward reacting to satirical images portraying him as a dictator, including one that referenced former Chinese leader Mao Zedong. The footage placed the France international at the centre of a major controversy in China.

Several Chinese brands ended their partnerships with Mbappe after his remarks provoked widespread anger. Although the player later apologised publicly, the criticism continued. The Chinese Football Association also protested, while state media removed content involving him.

The commercial consequences of the dispute remain a particular focus. La Liga president Javier Tebas sought to ease tensions by holding an emergency meeting with China’s ambassador to Spain and apologising to the Chinese people on behalf of the competition.

Tebas said the actions of one individual should not damage existing relationships with local partners and supporters. His response contrasts with that of Real Madrid, which has distanced itself from Mbappe’s comments and considers them to have been made in a personal capacity, without an intention to cause offence.

According to information published by Okdiario and reported by French outlet Foot Mercato, Real Madrid intends to maintain its commercial relationships in China. The club says its agreements with Chinese sponsors remain unchanged, despite contracts directly involving Mbappe being terminated.

That position has now been challenged by China Media Group, which owns China Central Television (CCTV). The Chinese news agency Dongqiudi quoted a spokesperson for the group’s Sports and Youth Centre as rejecting Real Madrid’s explanation.

“We have taken note of Real Madrid’s position,” the spokesperson said. “Yesterday and today, the president of La Liga and other relevant parties repeatedly sent messages to CCTV offering a public apology. We believe Mbappe’s outrageous comments hurt the Chinese people, crossed red lines and went beyond the limits of freedom of expression.”

The spokesperson added: “Mbappe is a Real Madrid player, and the club carries a major responsibility. Therefore, we reject Real Madrid’s justification that Mbappe ‘never intended to offend anyone’ and that players have the right to express their personal opinions. We reject Real Madrid’s position.”

The statement also disputed the club’s assurances about its commercial partnerships. “Regarding Real Madrid’s claim that its partnerships with Chinese sponsors have not changed, we will not verify that,” the spokesperson said.

“However, we remind everyone that words and actions capable of offending the Chinese people will naturally provoke widespread anger across all sections of Chinese society. We hope Real Madrid will not be misled. Until the club makes an apology, all discussions are suspended.”

Real Madrid is attempting to separate Mbappe’s personal comments from its commercial commitments, but China Media Group’s response indicates that this approach has not ended the dispute.