BY ISSAH OLEGOR
Spanish football giants Real Madrid have issued an apology to the Chinese people following controversial comments made by their star forward Kylian Mbappé, as the fallout from the incident reportedly threatens the French international’s commercial partnerships in the Asian country.
In a statement released on Wednesday, October 28, the Spanish club expressed regret over any offence caused by Mbappé’s remarks and reaffirmed its respect for China, its culture and its citizens.
The apology came a day after Mbappé himself publicly expressed regret, acknowledging that his comments had hurt people in China and Chinese communities around the world.
While Mbappe did not name Mao in the video, he appeared to say the funniest internet meme he had seen was of his face digitally altered onto that of “some guy – I think he’s a Chinese dictator”.
“My comment was ill-judged and I now understand that it hurt many people in China and in Chinese communities around the world,” Mbappe wrote in a statement published on his social media accounts.
The 27-year-old said he “reacted to an image of myself” during the interview.
“I apologise to everyone my words have upset,” Mbappe went on to add. “This was absolutely not my intention. I have deep respect for the Chinese people and their history, and I am sincerely sorry.”
The incident has attracted attention beyond football, placing the Real Madrid forward under scrutiny over remarks that reportedly involved Mao Zedong, the founder of the People’s Republic of China.
Real Madrid Moves to Contain the Fallout
In its official statement, Real Madrid acknowledged the concerns raised by the controversy and apologised to the Chinese public.
“Real Madrid C. F. wishes to express its apologies to the Chinese people for any discomfort that may have been caused by the recent words of our player Kylian Mbappé,” the club said.
The Spanish giants also recognised the support they receive from millions of Chinese fans and expressed solidarity with Mbappé’s personal apology.
Real Madrid reiterated its commitment to respect, coexistence and understanding between cultures, while expressing hope that its relationship with China would continue to grow.
The statement signals the club’s effort to address the concerns surrounding the incident while protecting its longstanding relationship with supporters and commercial partners in the country.
China represents an important international market for major European football clubs, with their popularity extending beyond the pitch into sponsorships, merchandise and other commercial activities.
Mbappé’s Remarks Spark Controversy
The controversy reportedly followed the circulation of a video in which Mbappé appeared to joke about Mao Zedong.
The footage prompted criticism and raised questions about the potential consequences for the forward’s commercial relationships in China.
Although Mbappé has since expressed regret, the incident has continued to attract attention, with Real Madrid also stepping in to issue its own apology.
The club’s intervention came amid reports that the remarks had caused offence among sections of the Chinese public.
Mbappé, one of the most recognisable figures in world football, has a global profile that extends well beyond his performances for Real Madrid and the French national team. As a result, controversies involving the forward can have implications for his commercial image as well as his sporting reputation.
