Real Madrid apologise to China over Kylian Mbappe comments

Real Madrid have formally apologised to the Chinese people over comments made by their France forward Kylian Mbappe, following mounting pressure that threatened the club’s commercial relationships in China.

The statement came nearly a full day after Mbappe and La Liga president Javier Tebas had issued their own apologies. It followed widespread criticism of the club’s earlier position, with reports suggesting Real Madrid had initially rejected an apology and sought to distinguish Mbappe’s personal remarks from the institution’s responsibilities to its Chinese partners.

In a statement published on the club’s official website, Real Madrid said it was sorry for any offence caused by Mbappe’s recent comments.

The club said it respected “China, its history, culture and people”, as well as the millions of Chinese supporters who have affection for Real Madrid.

It added that it stood alongside the public apology already made by Mbappe, who had expressed regret over his remarks, and reaffirmed its commitment to “respect, coexistence and understanding between cultures”.

The apology followed reports in the Spanish and French media that Real Madrid intended to maintain its commercial ties with China and regarded Mbappe’s comments as a personal position that did not represent the club.

Chinese group rejects Real Madrid explanation

The dispute intensified after a spokesperson for the Sports and Youth Centre of the Chinese media group that owns CCTV rejected the club’s justification.

The spokesperson said Mbappe was a Real Madrid player and that the club carried significant responsibility for what he said.

They argued that the forward’s remarks went beyond the limits of freedom of expression and insulted the Chinese people. The spokesperson also announced that discussions involving the club would be suspended until a public apology was issued.

The group rejected Real Madrid’s claim that the continuation of its Chinese partnerships showed its commercial relationships had not been affected. It warned that insulting the Chinese people had caused widespread anger.

Tebas and Mbappe had apologised before Real Madrid. Mbappe issued a public statement first, while Tebas apologised to the Chinese people the following day after meeting the Chinese ambassador to Spain in an effort to contain the controversy.

The pressure was accompanied by commercial consequences for Mbappe, with Chinese companies ending their partnerships with him. The dispute also spread to the broadcasting of La Liga matches in China.

What did Mbappe say?

The controversy began after a video circulated in which Mbappe discussed satirical images created using his facial features.

He said the image he found most amusing showed his face superimposed on the body of a man believed to be a “Chinese dictator”.

The comments prompted widespread criticism in China, with Mbappe accused of offending national sentiment. What began as a dispute on social media subsequently developed into a wider issue affecting sponsorship and sports broadcasting agreements.