Mbappé-Mao: Real Madrid Refuses to Apologize, China Threatens Economic Retaliation

Real Madrid has refused to apologize to Chinese authorities following the controversy sparked by Kylian Mbappé, who responded in a video to edited images depicting him as a dictator with references to Mao Zedong. The Madrid club maintains that its striker’s remarks constitute “personal expression” without “intent to offend,” and states that its partnerships with Chinese sponsors remain unchanged.

This position contrasts sharply with that of Javier Tebas, president of La Liga, who held urgent talks with the Chinese ambassador to issue an apology “on behalf of the competition,” arguing that “the actions of a single individual should not harm the relationships that have been built.”

Chinese authorities were quick to respond to Real Madrid’s defense. A spokesperson for the Sports and Youth Center of China Media Group (CMG), the parent company of state broadcaster CCTV, strongly condemned the club’s stance: “We believe that Mbappé’s outrageous remarks have hurt the Chinese people, crossed a line and overstepped the limits of freedom of expression. Mbappé is a Real Madrid player, and the club bears heavy responsibility.”

CMG also warned Real Madrid’s management of economic consequences for this refusal, contradicting the calm the club has displayed about its local contracts: “Words and actions liable to hurt the Chinese people will naturally provoke indignation from all sectors of Chinese society. Until Real Madrid issues an apology, any further discussion is suspended.”

Mbappé had issued a public apology after the video was released, but this gesture was not enough to contain the crisis: several Chinese brands terminated their contracts with him, the Chinese Football Association filed an official protest, and state media removed his appearances from their platforms.