Real Madrid apologises to China after Mbappe's comment on Mao Zedong

Real Madrid said it apologised to Chinese fans for remarks made by forward Kylian Mbappe that described the late Chinese leader Mao Zedong as a dictator. The club’s statement said it "maintains a 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 comment, made in a French podcast that has since been removed, led several Chinese companies, including dairy producers Mengniu and Shanghai Milkground Food Tech and beverage maker Eastroc, to suspend all cooperation with Mbappe. Mbappe later issued his own apology.

When asked about the apology, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said, "We take seriously the apology that the person has made."

The incident underscores the sensitivity of political references to Mao in China’s market, where such remarks can affect athletes and commercial partnerships.