Video: Real Madrid apologizes to China over Mbappé’s remarks on Mao Zedong meme
Kylian Mbappé
Abdullateef Fowewe
Real Madrid has apologised to the Chinese people after star forward Kylian Mbappé sparked a major backlash with comments referring to late Chinese leader Mao Zedong as a “Chinese dictator.”
In an official statement on Wednesday, the club noted that it has deep respect for China, its history, and culture.
The statement reads, “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.”
It continues, “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.”
The club reaffirmed its commitment to “the values of respect, coexistence, and understanding among cultures” and its desire to strengthen ties with China.
The controversy stems from remarks Mbappé made during an interview on a French podcast or talk show.
When discussing internet memes of himself, the France captain and Real Madrid forward said the one that made him laugh the most involved his face photoshopped onto “some guy — I think he’s a Chinese dictator.”
The image in question depicted him superimposed on Mao Zedong, the founding leader of the People’s Republic of China who ruled from 1949 until his death in 1976.
In China, satire or negative references to Mao remain highly sensitive and are widely considered taboo.
The comments, which circulated widely this week though the interview clip was later taken down, triggered swift and severe reactions.
Several Chinese brands, including dairy giant Mengniu and beverage company Dongpeng (Eastroc), terminated their sponsorship deals with Mbappé.
Chinese state broadcaster CCTV reportedly suspended coverage of La Liga matches involving the player, and his accounts on Chinese social media platforms faced restrictions.
Mbappé issued his own apology on Tuesday, stating that his comment was “ill-judged” and that he now understood it had hurt many people in China and Chinese communities worldwide.
“I apologise to everyone my words have upset. I have deep respect for the Chinese people and their history, and I am sincerely sorry,” he said in a statement released in French, English, and Chinese.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun later said Beijing “takes seriously the apology that the person has made.”
La Liga officials also expressed regret over the offence caused to Chinese fans.
