Real Madrid seek to ease China tensions after Kylian Mbappe remarks

Real Madrid has issued a formal apology to China over comments made by France forward Kylian Mbappe, almost a full day after the player and La Liga president Javier Tebas apologised amid growing pressure on the club’s commercial relationships in the Chinese market.

The statement marked a change in tone from the club’s earlier position, which had prompted widespread criticism after reports suggested Real Madrid was unwilling to apologise. The club had reportedly maintained that Mbappe’s personal comments should be separated from the institution’s responsibilities to its Chinese partners.

In a statement published on its official website, Real Madrid apologised to the Chinese people for any offence that Mbappe’s recent remarks may have caused. The club said it respected China, its history, culture and people, as well as the millions of Chinese supporters who hold the club in high regard.

Real Madrid also said it supported the public apology made by Mbappe, who expressed regret for his comments. The club renewed its commitment to “respect, coexistence and understanding between cultures”.

The apology came after Spanish and French reports said Real Madrid was determined to maintain its commercial ties with China and viewed Mbappe’s remarks as a personal position that did not represent the club.

China rejects explanation

The dispute intensified after a spokesperson for the Sports and Youth Centre of the Chinese media group that owns CCTV rejected Real Madrid’s justification. The spokesperson said Mbappe was a Real Madrid player and that the club had a significant responsibility for what he said.

The comments, the spokesperson added, went beyond the limits of freedom of expression and insulted the Chinese people. Discussions involving the club were suspended until a public apology was issued.

The group also dismissed Real Madrid’s assurances that its Chinese partnerships were continuing as evidence that the club’s commercial relationships had not been affected. It warned that insulting the Chinese people had caused widespread anger.

Mbappe and Tebas apologised first

Mbappe had already apologised publicly for his remarks before Tebas followed with an apology to the Chinese people the previous day. Tebas also met the Chinese ambassador to Spain as part of efforts to contain the dispute.

The controversy has had commercial consequences for Mbappe, with Chinese companies ending their partnerships with him. It has also spread to the broadcasting of La Liga matches in China.

The dispute began after a video circulated in which Mbappe discussed satirical images created using his appearance. He said the image he found funniest was a composite showing his face on the body of a man he believed to be a “Chinese dictator”.

The remarks triggered strong criticism in China, with Mbappe accused of insulting national sentiment. What began as a social media controversy subsequently developed into a wider dispute affecting sponsorship agreements and sports broadcasting.