Real Madrid Apologizes to China After Mbappé's Mao Remark Costs Him Brand Deals
Photo: The HinduReal Madrid apologized to the Chinese people on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, a day after several Chinese brands cut ties with forward Kylian Mbappé over a remark about Mao Zedong. In a video from a French podcast, since taken down, Mbappé discussed a meme with his face photoshopped onto another man's and described that man as a Chinese dictator. On Tuesday, dairy companies Mengniu and Shanghai Milkground Food Tech and Eastroc Beverage ended all cooperation with him. That day Mbappé apologized, calling his comment ill-judged. La Liga said it deeply regretted the offence to Chinese fans, and Chinese state television suspended the Spanish league from its schedule. Real Madrid said the club deeply respects China, its history, culture and citizens. China's Foreign Ministry said Wednesday it was taking Mbappé's apology seriously.
The Guardian, on the left, frames the episode as a window into China's politics. It places Mbappé among foreign brands and celebrities, including Mercedes, Versace, John Cena and Katy Perry, punished over Tibet, Hong Kong and Taiwan. It notes that most Chinese coverage omits what he actually said, and argues Mao's legacy is still sensitive 50 years after his death. The Washington Times, on the right, leads with the Foreign Ministry saying it took the apology seriously, treating the story as a continuing diplomatic fallout and giving more weight to the official Chinese reaction. Both sides agree on the apology and the Mao remark, but differ in emphasis: analysis of censorship and precedent versus official reaction. Global Times, as an alternative source, stresses respect for others' history, culture and national sentiment. The Hindu emphasizes the risks to athletes and brands in the Chinese market.
How the sides differ Left sources stress Mao's sensitivity and China's pattern of punishing foreign figures; right sources lead with China's Foreign Ministry response; alternative sources stress the apology and respect for national sentiment.
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
The Guardian treats the Mbappé row as evidence of how sensitive Mao's legacy remains, citing earlier foreign brands and celebrities punished by China and noting Chinese coverage rarely repeats his words.
Global Times frames Real Madrid's apology around respect for others' history, culture and national sentiments, while The Hindu details the brand cutoffs, Real's statement and the risks facing athletes and brands in China.
The Washington Times leads with China's Foreign Ministry saying it takes Mbappé's apology seriously, presenting the story as ongoing fallout over his 'Chinese dictator' comments about Mao.