Madrid, October 28, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Real Madrid has apologised to the Chinese people over remarks by forward Kylian Mbappe describing Mao Zedong as a “dictator”, reaffirming its respect for China’s history, culture and citizens amid the growing controversy.
The Spanish football giants issued the apology over the discomfort caused by the France captain’s comments and expressed support for the public apology made by the player, who acknowledged that his words had hurt people in China and Chinese communities around the world.
“Real Madrid CF wishes to express its apologies to the Chinese people for any discomfort caused by the recent words of our player Kylian Mbappe,” the club said in a statement released on Wednesday.
“Our club maintains a deep respect for China, its history, its culture and its citizens, as well as for the millions of Chinese fans who feel affection and admiration for Real Madrid,” it added.
The controversy erupted after a video clip from the French talk show The Bridge showed Mbappe discussing a meme featuring his face superimposed on an image of Mao Zedong, the late Chinese Communist Party chairman and founding leader of the People’s Republic of China.
According to the BBC, Mbappe reportedly described the meme that made him laugh the most as one featuring a man he believed was a Chinese dictator. He then laughed as the clip cut to the meme showing his face superimposed on an image resembling Mao.
The remarks triggered a backlash among Chinese fans. Three Chinese companies reportedly ended their commercial partnerships with the Real Madrid forward.
According to the state-owned newspaper The Global Times, the news applications of China’s state broadcaster CCTV will no longer feature content related to the French striker. Chinese media also reported that CCTV would stop showing La Liga matches.
Mbappe subsequently apologised, admitting that his comment was ill-judged and acknowledging the hurt it had caused.
“My comment was ill-judged, and I now understand that it hurt many people in China and in Chinese communities around the world,” he said in a statement.
“I apologise to everyone my words have upset. This was absolutely not my intention. I have deep respect for the Chinese people and their history, and I am sincerely sorry,” he added.
Real Madrid said it stood by the player’s public apology and reiterated its own respect for the Chinese people. The club also emphasised its commitment to respect, coexistence and understanding between cultures.
“Real Madrid reaffirms its commitment to the values of respect, coexistence and understanding between cultures and expresses its desire to continue strengthening the bonds of friendship and affection that unite it with China and its citizens,” the La Liga club said.
The development follows an apology from Spanish football league La Liga, which clarified that Mbappe’s remarks were made in a personal capacity and did not represent the organisation.
La Liga president Javier Tebas also apologised to Chinese supporters and announced plans to develop an awareness and communication protocol with clubs and players to help prevent similar incidents in the future.
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