Real Madrid issued a statement Wednesday, cutting ties with Mbappé and apologising to Chinese fans after his controversial remarks about Mao Zedong. The club stressed its deep ties and lucrative partnerships with China.
Almost alone in the world, Mbappé faced fire from every side after a video showed him mocking the Chinese “dictator” Mao Zedong. The French captain was forced to apologise, sparking a diplomatic flare‑up that now seems to be easing, especially after Spanish football figures like Javier Tebas and La Liga distanced themselves on Tuesday. Real Madrid followed suit with its own statement on Wednesday.
“Real Madrid wishes to apologise to the Chinese people for any discomfort caused by recent comments from our player Kylian Mbappé,” the club read on its website.
“A deep respect for China, its history, its culture and its citizens.”
Beyond losing Chinese advertising deals, Mbappé is now mired in fallout from a joke made on teammate Aurélien Tchouaméni’s podcast The Bridge months ago. Fearing the massive local market could turn away, Real Madrid has taken a clear side in favour of China.
“Our club holds profound respect for China—its history, culture and citizens—and for the millions of Chinese supporters who cherish Real Madrid,” wrote president Florentino Pérez. “We stand behind Mbappé’s public apology, in which he expressed regret and reaffirmed his respect for the Chinese people.”
“Real Madrid aims to keep strengthening the friendship and affection that bind it to China.”
Beaten by Harry Kane in the race for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, Mbappé endured another rough day on Tuesday. Declared persona non grata in China after his remarks, the French striker also attracted criticism for his swift reversal and apology.
Critics now blame a serious communication misstep by him and his team. Meanwhile, Real Madrid scrambles to safeguard its economic interests in China, risking a costly backlash over its star’s comment on the “Great Helmsman”.
In closing, the club reiterated its commitment to respect, coexistence and cultural understanding, and expressed a desire to keep strengthening the bond of friendship it shares with China and its people.