Real Madrid issued an official statement apologizing to the people of China for remarks made by forward Kylian Mbappé concerning an internet meme, joining actions taken by the player himself after state media suspended broadcasts and commercial spots involving him.
The controversy stems from social media commentary regarding a digital meme comparing the French international to Mao Tse-tung. The backlash prompted immediate regulatory actions within China’s state broadcasting apparatus, impacting the commercial footprint of both the player and the Spanish top flight within the Asian market.
Real Madrid Releases Official Club Statement on Commercial Relations
Real Madrid published its official position at approximately 10:00 a.m., addressing the friction caused by its forward. The club maintains commercial relations and a large fan base across the Asian nation.
Comunicado Oficial.https://t.co/EfKx1juceJ
In the text released across its digital channels, the club stated: Real Madrid C. F. desea expresar sus disculpas al pueblo chino por el malestar que hayan podido ocasionar las recientes palabras de nuestro jugador Kylian Mbappé.
The organization added that it mantiene un profundo respeto por China, su historia, su cultura y sus ciudadanos, así como por los millones de aficionados chinos que sienten cariño y admiración por el Real Madrid,
The club’s leadership emphasized that the institution se suma a las disculpas públicas expresadas por Kylian Mbappé, en las que el propio jugador ha manifestado su arrepentimiento por sus palabras y ha reiterado su respeto hacia el pueblo chino.
The statement concluded with a reaffirmation of the organization’s dedication to cross-cultural respect and an intent to preserve ongoing ties with supporters in the region.
Chinese State Media Suspends La Liga Broadcasts and Mbappé Commercials
The diplomatic friction intensified when state broadcaster CCTV confirmed the suspension of all La Liga fixtures and matches featuring the forward, according to reports from local outlet The Paper. The administrative directive took effect on Monday evening.
Alongside live match broadcasts, the intervention mandated the immediate withdrawal of all commercial advertisements and promotional videos starring Mbappé across public broadcasting networks.
La Liga President Javier Tebas Issues Direct Apology to Chinese Authorities
League leadership moved quickly to distance the broader competition from the player’s remarks, addressing the fallout through public channels. Javier Tebas, president of La Liga, utilized social media to communicate directly with Chinese authorities and concerned supporters.
In a published message, Tebas stated: Des de LaLiga lamentem profundament les declaracions de Kylian Mbappé que han causat malestar i ofensa a la Xina. Entenem el perjudici ocasionat i, en nom de LaLiga, vull transmetre les nostres disculpes sinceres al pueblo xinès.
The executive acknowledged the damage inflicted upon Spanish clubs and Chinese fans as a result of the incident.
Mbappé and Real Madrid Issue Formal Apologies
The sequence of events unfolded rapidly across a multi-day cycle, moving from initial online commentary to corporate and broadcast repercussions. Mbappé issued his own formal statement of remorse on Tuesday afternoon, preceding the subsequent announcements from both his club and the league office.
Real Madrid’s intervention arrived on Wednesday morning, roughly 24 hours after the player’s initial public contrition. The coordinated apologies from the player, his employer, and the competition’s governing body reflect an effort to stabilize relationships with commercial partners and millions of followers in the affected market.
