China Says It Takes Mbappé's Apology Seriously as Real Madrid Apologizes Over Mao Remarks
Photo: The HinduChina's Foreign Ministry said Wednesday, October 28, 2026, that it takes seriously an apology from Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé for remarks seen as disrespectful of Mao Zedong, the founding leader of Communist China. Spokesperson Guo Jiakun made the comment at a daily briefing. The comments came in a French podcast video, since taken down, in which Mbappé described a meme with his face edited onto a figure he called "some guy — I think he's a Chinese dictator." On Tuesday, Dongpeng (Eastroc Beverage), dairy maker Mengniu and Shanghai Milkground ended deals with him, saying they oppose words and actions that hurt national sentiment. Real Madrid then apologized to the Chinese people for any discomfort and said it deeply respects China, its history and its fans. Mbappé's team's games remained unavailable to viewers in China on Wednesday. The Communist Party's People's Daily said public figures who cross a red line become a brand's negative asset.
Left-leaning outlets approached the story from two angles. NBC News led with Beijing's response, using Guo's remarks, the three brand exits and the People's Daily column. It framed the episode as part of a pattern of China using economic clout on foreign companies and individuals. The Washington Post focused on Real Madrid's public apology. The right-leaning Washington Times ran the same headline and opening as NBC, centered on the Foreign Ministry's statement, with no distinct framing. The alternative side differed. Yahoo Sports, citing AFP, said Mbappé, Real Madrid and La Liga had all apologized and quoted commentator Yan Qiang on serious damage to their image. The Hindu quoted Real Madrid's full statement and stressed the risks for athletes and brands in the Chinese market.
How the sides differ Left sources split between China's reaction and Real Madrid's apology, right sources echo the Chinese government response, and alternative sources stress long-term reputational damage and market risk.
Headline, comparison and summary written by AI from the articles below. AI can make mistakes, so check the original articles before relying on a detail.
- The Washington PostPaywallReal Madrid issues public apology to China over Mbappé's Mao Zedong comments
NBC News leads with the Chinese Foreign Ministry's response, the brand cancellations and a People's Daily column, framing it as China using economic leverage. The Washington Post leads with Real Madrid's apology.
Yahoo Sports, citing AFP, quotes experts on lasting reputational damage to Mbappé, Real Madrid and La Liga. The Hindu details Real Madrid's statement and the risks for athletes and brands in China.
The Washington Times runs the same report as NBC, leading with the Foreign Ministry saying it takes Mbappé's apology seriously after the backlash over his Mao comments.