Kylian Mbappe Controversy Takes Another Turn As Real Madrid Addresses China
- Real Madrid has responded to a controversy involving Kylian Mbappé that has sparked criticism in China and affected the football star’s commercial relationships
- The Spanish club has issued a statement stressing its respect for China, its culture and its millions of supporters
- Mbappé has apologised for his remarks, but the fallout has extended beyond social media to football broadcasts and sponsorship deals
PAY ATTENTION: Mark Briefly News as a preferred source, and our content will appear higher in your Google feed!
Source: Getty Images
Real Madrid has apologised to the Chinese people after comments by Kylian Mbappé about former Chinese leader Mao Zedong triggered a backlash. The controversy has led to the suspension of La Liga broadcasts in China and the reported termination of several commercial partnerships involving the French forward.
The club issued its apology on Wednesday, 28 October 2026, following Mbappé’s public apology a day earlier.
The controversy began during a video interview with French show The Bridge. Mbappé joked about an internet meme featuring his face superimposed on an image he believed depicted a Chinese dictator.
The 27-year-old subsequently apologised in French, Chinese and English.
PAY ATTENTION: You can now search for all your favourite news and topics on Briefly News.
“My comment was ill-judged and I now understand that it hurt many people in China and in Chinese communities around the world,” Mbappé said.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun acknowledged the apology on Wednesday, stating:
“We take seriously the apology the individual concerned has made.”
Chinese sponsors and football broadcasts affected
The repercussions have extended beyond criticism online. China Media Group, which oversees public broadcaster CCTV, suspended La Liga broadcasts. Chinese companies Dongpeng Beverage, Mengniu and Milkground reportedly ended their partnerships with Mbappé.
Chinese social media platforms Weibo and Xiaohongshu also suspended or restricted the forward's accounts. Chinese media reports suggested that brands including Dior and Hublot had removed content featuring him.
The developments could affect Mbappé’s commercial relationships in a market where he has enjoyed considerable popularity.
Full statement issued by Real Madrid
Real Madrid published the following announcement on 28 October 2026:
OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT. 28/10/2026
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.
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.
The club joins the public apology expressed by Kylian Mbappé, in which the player himself has conveyed his regret for his words and reiterated his respect for the Chinese people.
Real Madrid reaffirms its commitment to the values of respect, coexistence, and understanding among cultures, and expresses its desire to continue strengthening the bonds of friendship and affection that unite it with China and its citizens.
What happens next for Real Madrid and Mbappé?
Real Madrid has stressed its commitment to maintaining strong ties with China and its supporters following the controversy surrounding Kylian Mbappé’s remarks.
However, it remains unclear whether the apologies will lead to the resumption of suspended La Liga broadcasts or the restoration of commercial partnerships that have been terminated.
How Mbappé lost Chinese commercial partners after his remarks
Briefly News previously reported that Kylian Mbappé apologised after comments about a viral meme linked to former Chinese leader Mao Zedong sparked backlash in China.
La Liga president Javier Tebas also apologised to Chinese fans, while the Chinese Football Association called for a formal public apology from Real Madrid.
The club subsequently issued its own statement on 28 October 2026, expressing regret for any offence caused and reaffirming its respect for China, its culture and its supporters.
PAY ATTENTION: Follow Briefly News on Twitter and never miss the hottest topics! Find us at @brieflyza!
Source: Briefly News
