Real Madrid have issued a public apology to the people of China following the controversy surrounding comments made by their forward Kylian Mbappé, which have triggered widespread backlash, commercial repercussions and the suspension of La Liga broadcasts in the Asian country.
The Spanish giants released a statement expressing regret over the offence caused by the French international’s remarks, joining the player in seeking to repair relations with Chinese fans after his comments about an internet meme depicting him as former Chinese leader Mao Zedong.
In their statement, the club said: “Real Madrid C. F. wishes to express its apologies to the Chinese people for any discomfort that may have been caused by the recent words of our player Kylian Mbappé.”
The apology comes amid reports of commercial partners distancing themselves from the forward and Chinese broadcasters suspending La Liga coverage.
Mbappé issued a public apology on Tuesday, October 27, acknowledging that his comments had hurt people in China and Chinese communities around the world. Real Madrid have now followed suit, emphasising their respect for the country and its citizens.
The controversy has escalated beyond social media criticism, with Chinese companies ending or reviewing commercial relationships with the 27-year-old. The developments have raised concerns about the potential impact on the league’s relationship with one of its important international audiences.
Real Madrid also endorsed the player’s apology, stressing that Mbappé had expressed regret over his words and reiterated his respect for the Chinese people. The club said it remained committed to maintaining positive relations with Chinese supporters.
Meme Comment Triggers Chinese Backlash
The controversy originated from a video circulating online in which Mbappé discussed internet memes featuring his face digitally superimposed on historical figures.
During the conversation, the France captain reportedly identified a meme depicting him as “some guy, I think he’s a Chinese dictator”, an apparent reference to Mao Zedong, the founding leader of the People’s Republic of China.
The remark sparked anger among Chinese football fans and social media users, who interpreted it as disrespectful towards a figure deeply associated with the country’s political history. The clip spread rapidly online, prompting criticism of the Real Madrid forward and calls for consequences from commercial partners.
The reaction was particularly significant because the controversy extended beyond the player’s personal reputation to his business relationships in China, where international sports stars attract substantial commercial interest.
Chinese Brands Distance Themselves
Several Chinese companies moved to distance themselves from Mbappé following the backlash. Reports identified beverage giant Dongpeng, dairy producer Mengniu and Shanghai Milkground Food Tech among the companies that announced the termination of their commercial relationships with the footballer.
The decisions represent a potential commercial setback for Mbappé, whose global profile has made him an attractive ambassador for international brands. The controversy has also prompted the removal or review of promotional content featuring the forward across Chinese platforms.
The response from commercial partners has underlined the wider consequences of the dispute, as businesses seek to protect their reputations and relationships with Chinese consumers.
However, the precise status of each partnership should be distinguished from threats to withdraw, as not every reported commercial response necessarily amounts to a completed termination.
La Liga Broadcasts Face Disruption
The fallout has also reached Spanish football’s broadcasting arrangements in China. According to reports, China Media Group, which oversees state broadcaster CCTV, suspended broadcasts of La Liga matches following the controversy.
The development extends the consequences beyond Mbappé and Real Madrid, potentially affecting the Spanish league’s visibility among Chinese viewers and its commercial relationships in the market.
La Liga president Javier Tebas has also apologised to Chinese fans and pledged measures to strengthen cultural awareness among clubs and players.
The league’s response reflects the challenge facing football organisations as they seek to protect international partnerships amid controversies involving prominent players.
Real Madrid Reaffirm Respect for China
In its statement, Real Madrid emphasised its longstanding affection for Chinese supporters and its respect for the country’s cultural heritage.
“Our club holds 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.”
Real Madrid
The club also made clear that its response was aligned with the player’s public apology, saying it joined Mbappé in expressing regret over the remarks and reaffirming respect for the Chinese people.
“Real Madrid reaffirm its commitment to the values of respect, coexistence, and understanding among cultures,” the statement added, while expressing its desire to strengthen the bonds of friendship and affection connecting the club with China.
The apologies from Mbappé and Real Madrid mark an effort to contain the dispute, but the reported commercial and broadcasting consequences have already placed the controversy on a wider footing.
But whether the statements will be sufficient to restore confidence among Chinese fans, sponsors and broadcasters remains uncertain.
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