Real Madrid reject calls for apology as China dispute over Kylian Mbappe escalates

Real Madrid have refused to apologise to China over Kylian Mbappe’s comments, insisting the forward’s remarks were personal and that the club’s commercial partnerships in the country remain unchanged.

The stance has drawn a strong response from China Media Group, which owns Chinese state broadcaster CCTV. A spokesperson has demanded a public apology from the Spanish club and said discussions are suspended until one is issued.

The dispute began after a video circulated showing Mbappe reacting to satirical images portraying him as a dictator. The material included a reference to former Chinese leader Mao Zedong.

The footage prompted widespread anger in China. Several brands ended their partnerships with Mbappe and, despite a public apology from the player, the controversy continued. The Chinese Football Association protested, while state media removed content relating to the forward.

La Liga president Javier Tebas also intervened. He held an emergency meeting with China’s ambassador to Spain and apologised to the Chinese people on behalf of the league.

Tebas said the actions of one individual should not damage existing relationships with commercial partners and supporters in China.

His response contrasts with that of Real Madrid. According to Oki Diario, in a report carried by French outlet Foot Mercato, the club intends to maintain its commercial relationships in China and regards Mbappe’s comments as a personal expression with no intention to cause offence.

Real Madrid have said its agreements with Chinese sponsors remain unchanged, although some contracts directly involving Mbappe have been terminated.

Chinese media group rejects Real Madrid’s position

The club’s approach has triggered a new round of diplomatic and media discussions. Chinese news agency Dongqiudi quoted Oki Diario as reporting that a spokesperson for the Sports and Youth Centre of China Media Group had publicly rejected Real Madrid’s explanation.

“We have noted Real Madrid’s position,” the spokesperson said. “Yesterday and today, the president of La Liga and other relevant parties repeatedly sent messages to CCTV offering a public apology. We believe Mbappe’s outrageous comments hurt the Chinese people, crossed the red lines and went beyond the limits of freedom of expression.”

The spokesperson added: “Mbappe is a Real Madrid player, and the club bears a heavy responsibility. Therefore, we reject Real Madrid’s explanation that Mbappe ‘never intended to offend anyone’ and that players have the right to express their personal opinions. We reject Real Madrid’s position.”

The group also challenged the club’s claim that its commercial partnerships with Chinese sponsors had not changed.

“As for Real Madrid’s claim that the club’s partnerships with its Chinese sponsors have not changed, we will not verify that,” the statement said. “However, we remind everyone that words and actions capable of offending the Chinese people will naturally provoke widespread anger across all sections of Chinese society. We hope Real Madrid will not be misled. Until the club issues an apology, all discussions are suspended.”

Real Madrid’s attempt to separate Mbappe’s personal comments from its commercial obligations has therefore failed to ease the dispute, with Chinese representatives continuing to demand a public apology.