Real Madrid apologises to China after Kylian Mbappe’s Mao Zedong comments

Real Madrid has apologised to the people of China after comments by Kylian Mbappe describing Mao Zedong as a “dictator” triggered a major backlash.

The statement, issued on Wednesday 28 October 2026, came after the controversy led to commercial partnerships with the France international being cancelled and the suspension of La Liga broadcasts in China.

“Real Madrid wishes to apologise to the Chinese people for the discomfort that our player Kylian Mbappe’s recent statements may have caused,” the club said.

“Our club has a deep respect for China, its history, its culture and its citizens, as well as for the millions of Chinese supporters who feel affection and admiration for Real Madrid.”

Mbappe had already apologised on Tuesday in response to the reaction to his remarks. La Liga also responded to the controversy, although no further details were given in the statement from Real Madrid.

The commercial consequences followed quickly. Three Chinese companies announced that they were ending their advertising agreements with the French forward.

China’s state broadcaster also decided to stop showing La Liga matches and withdrew advertisements featuring the Real Madrid star.

Real Madrid’s statement places the club alongside Mbappe in issuing an apology over the comments. The club hopes the intervention will ease the dispute and protect its relationship with its large following in China.

The episode has affected both Mbappe’s commercial links and the broadcast of Spain’s top-flight competition in the country. Real Madrid’s message specifically highlighted the club’s regard for China and its supporters as it sought to address the reaction to its player’s comments.