Real Madrid apologises to Chinese fans after Mbappé's Mao comment sparks backlash
Real Madrid issued an apology to Chinese supporters after Kylian Mbappé referred to Mao Zedong as a "dictator," prompting a media blackout and the suspension of several Chinese sponsorships.
Real Madrid released a statement on Wednesday apologising to Chinese fans for remarks made by forward Kylian Mbappé that described former Chinese leader Mao Zedong as a "dictator." The club said it respects China’s history, culture and the millions of supporters who follow the team.
The comment triggered a swift reaction in China, where state broadcaster Migu announced it would not air Real Madrid’s La Liga match against Racing Santander, the only game omitted from its weekend schedule. Chinese companies, including dairy producers Mengniu and Shanghai Milkground Food Tech as well as Eastroc Beverage, also halted cooperation with Mbappé.
La Liga President Javier Tebas formed a crisis unit and met with Chinese ambassador Yao Jing to address the situation. Sources said Tebas is considering a visit to China to mitigate potential financial losses for Spanish football and to improve institutional ties with Beijing.
Mbappé’s remarks were captured in a video from a French podcast that has since been removed, where he referred to a meme that placed his face on an image he described as "some guy – I think he’s a Chinese dictator." The nickname "the dictator" has previously appeared in European media coverage of the player.