Real Madrid has apologised to the Chinese people after comments by forward Kylian Mbappe describing Mao Zedong as a “dictator” sparked a controversy.
The club issued its statement on Wednesday, 28 October 2026, after the row led to commercial partnerships with Mbappe being ended and the suspension of La Liga broadcasts in China.
“Real Madrid would like to apologise to the Chinese people for the unease that the recent statements by our player Kylian Mbappe may have caused,” the Spanish club said.
“Our club has 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 issued a response to the controversy.
The commercial fallout was swift. Three Chinese companies announced that they were terminating their advertising agreements with the France forward.
Chinese public television also decided to suspend broadcasts of La Liga matches and remove advertisements featuring the Real Madrid player.
Real Madrid’s statement brings the club in line with the apology already offered by Mbappe, as it seeks to ease the dispute and protect its relationship with its large Chinese supporter base.
