Real Madrid join Mbappe in public apology to Chinese fans on dictator meme remark

Real Madrid have issued a public apology to Chinese fans over Kylian Mbappe's controversial dictator meme remark, backing the France captain's expression of regret. The row has sparked a wider backlash, with Chinese companies ending sponsorship deals and questions emerging over the fallout for the club and LaLiga.Real Madrid have supported Mbappe's apology to Chinese fans. (Photo: Reuters) New Delhi,Oct 28, 2026 16:06 ISTReal Madrid have issued a public apology to Chinese fans following the controversy surrounding Kylian Mbappe's remarks about a dictator meme, joining the France captain in expressing regret over his comments. The club said it respected China's history, culture and people, while reaffirming its commitment to strengthening ties with the country.In a statement, Real Madrid acknowledged that the player's words may have caused discomfort among the Chinese public and extended an apology on behalf of the club."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 Mbappe," the club said."Our club holds 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 statement added. Real Madrid also backed the apology already issued by Mbappe, who expressed regret for his words and reiterated his respect for the Chinese people."The club joins the public apology expressed by Kylian Mbappe, in which the player himself has conveyed his regret for his words and reiterated his respect for the Chinese people," it said. "Real Madrid reaffirms its commitment to the values of respect, coexistence, and understanding among cultures, and expresses its desire to continue strengthening the bonds of friendship and affection that unite it with China and its citizens," the statement read.WHAT DID MBAPPE DO TO ANGER CHINESE FANS?The controversy began after a video circulated online in which Mbappe was asked about his favourite meme featuring himself. The Real Madrid forward described a video featuring a man he believed to be a Chinese dictator, before an edited image appeared showing his face superimposed on the body of Mao Zedong, the founding leader of the People's Republic of China.Although Mbappe did not explicitly name Mao in the clip, the image was widely understood to refer to the Chinese leader. The comments triggered criticism on Chinese social media, where jokes involving Mao remain a sensitive subject.Mbappe subsequently apologised, acknowledging that his remarks had caused offence."My comment was ill-judged, and I now understand that it hurt many people in China and in Chinese communities around the world," he said in his statement."I apologise to everyone my words have upset. This was absolutely not my intention. I have deep respect for the Chinese people and their history, and I am sincerely sorry."The fallout has extended beyond social media. Three Chinese companies, beverage maker Eastroc Beverage, dairy giant Mengniu and Shanghai Milkground Food Tech, announced that they were ending their commercial partnerships with the France captain. Chinese state broadcaster China Media Group also suspended broadcasts of LaLiga matches and advertisements featuring Mbappe, according to reports.Real Madrid's apology follows the public responses from Mbappe and LaLiga, as the controversy threatens to affect the club and the Spanish league's relationship with Chinese supporters.- Ends