Real Madrid issued a public apology to the people of China on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026, following comments by forward Kylian Mbappé regarding Mao Zedong. The Spanish soccer club stated it held deep respect for Chinese history and culture after Mbappé referred to the founding leader of Communist China as a "dictator" during an online interview.
The apology followed a series of reactions on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026, including the loss of brand deals for Mbappé and a broadcast suspension by China Media Group (CMG). Mbappé expressed regret on Tuesday, calling his remarks "ill-judged" and acknowledging that his words had hurt members of Chinese communities worldwide.
Real Madrid's official statement said the club "joins the public apology" and wishes to address any discomfort caused by the player's words. The club emphasized its affection for its millions of Chinese fans and its commitment to strengthening friendship with the country. CMG confirmed it received the apology but did not offer additional comment on whether it would resume broadcasting matches featuring the player. La Liga has also apologized.
Individual fans and viewers in China noticed a change in their access to sports media on Tuesday when CMG stopped airing games featuring Mbappé. The loss of brand deals means the player's image will likely be removed from commercial advertisements and products in the Chinese market. These developments occurred within a 24-hour window between the initial comments and the subsequent apologies from both the player and the club.
The incident sets a precedent for how international sports franchises manage the political speech of their players in relation to major foreign markets. By issuing a formal club-level apology, Real Madrid sought to protect its commercial and cultural ties with China. The Chinese Foreign Ministry stated it took the apology "seriously" on Wednesday, though the long-term impact on Mbappé's business ventures remains unclear. Future developments depend on whether CMG lifts its broadcast suspension and if private companies choose to restore their partnerships with the athlete.