Real Madrid apologizes to Chinese people after Kylian Mbappe’s Mao Zedong remark sparks backlash and commercial fallout

Real Madrid has issued a formal apology to the Chinese people after star forward Kylian Mbappé triggered widespread anger by appearing to refer to the late Chinese leader Mao Zedong as a “dictator” while discussing an internet meme.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the Spanish club said: “Real Madrid CF wishes to express its apologies to the Chinese people for any discomfort caused by the recent words of our player Kylian Mbappé. 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.”

The club added that it joined Mbappé’s own public apology, in which the France captain expressed regret and reaffirmed his respect for the Chinese people. Real Madrid also restated its commitment to values of respect, coexistence and understanding among cultures, and its wish to strengthen bonds of friendship with China.

The controversy erupted after a clip circulated widely on social media from an interview linked to the French online talk show The Bridge. Asked about his favourite meme of himself, Mbappé replied that it was “a video someone made of a guy, I think he was a Chinese dictator,” before an altered image appeared showing his face superimposed on the body of Mao Zedong, the founding leader of the People’s Republic of China who ruled from 1949 until his death in 1976. The clip has since been taken down.

Mbappé did not name Mao explicitly. The remark related to a broader internet trend of “dictator Mbappé” memes, in which fans have edited the player’s face onto images of historical and political leaders as a joking reference to his perceived strong influence at clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid. Mbappé has previously acknowledged the humour in some of the memes while criticising those that linked him to figures associated with historical tragedies.

In China, satire or jokes involving Mao remain a sensitive social taboo. The comments quickly drew fierce criticism online and from official quarters. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said words and deeds that hurt the feelings of the Chinese people would face opposition from society.

On Tuesday, Mbappé issued an apology in French, Chinese and English. “During a recent interview, I reacted to an image of myself,” he said. “My comment was ill-judged, and I now understand that it hurt many people in China and in Chinese communities around the world. 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.”

The commercial consequences were swift. Beverage maker Dongpeng (Eastroc Beverage), whose Bushuila electrolyte drink featured Mbappé as brand ambassador in a partnership announced in April 2026, terminated the agreement. Dairy giant Mengniu and cheese producer Milkground also ended their deals. Each company stated it opposed “any words and actions that hurt national sentiment” or the feelings of the Chinese people, and announced the terminations with immediate effect.

China Media Group, which oversees state broadcaster CCTV, suspended broadcasts of Spanish La Liga matches, other games featuring Mbappé, and removed advertisements and promotional material involving the player. La Liga president Javier Tebas condemned the comments as unacceptable, apologised to Chinese fans, and engaged with Chinese officials, including contact with the Chinese ambassador.

The episode highlights the commercial and diplomatic sensitivities surrounding China’s vast sports market. Real Madrid and La Liga have cultivated significant followings and commercial interests there, while star players routinely secure high-profile endorsement deals with Chinese consumer brands. Mbappé’s popularity in the country had been reflected in extensive advertising and large social-media followings before the row.

As of the latest statements, Chinese state media indicated