Real Madrid has apologised to the Chinese people following the controversy over comments by forward Kylian Mbappe in which he described Mao Zedong as a “dictator”.
The statement, issued on Wednesday 28 October 2026, comes after the row led to commercial partnerships with Mbappe being cancelled and the suspension of La Liga broadcasts in China.
“Real Madrid wishes to apologise to the Chinese people for the unease that our player Kylian Mbappe’s recent statements may have caused,” the club said.
“Our club has deep respect for China, its history, its culture and its citizens, as well as for the millions of Chinese supporters who feel affection and admiration for Real Madrid.”
Mbappe apologised on Tuesday after his remarks prompted a backlash. La Liga also responded to the controversy.
The commercial impact was swift. Three Chinese companies announced they were ending their advertising agreements with the France international.
China’s public broadcaster also stopped showing La Liga matches and pulled advertisements featuring the Real Madrid forward from its programming.
Real Madrid’s statement follows the apology already issued by Mbappe as the club attempts to calm the dispute and protect its relationship with its substantial Chinese support.