Real Madrid are refusing to apologise to China over comments made by Kylian Mbappe, insisting the France forward was expressing a personal view and that the club’s commercial partnerships with Chinese sponsors remain unchanged.
The stance has provoked a fresh response from China Media Group, the owner of Chinese state broadcaster CCTV, which said the club must accept responsibility for the actions of one of its players and called for a public apology.
The dispute began after a video circulated showing Mbappe reacting to satirical images depicting him as a dictator, including one referencing former Chinese leader Mao Zedong. His response triggered widespread anger in China, with several brands ending partnerships with the Real Madrid striker.
Mbappe subsequently issued a public apology, but the controversy continued. The Chinese Football Association protested, while state media removed content relating to the player. The effect of the dispute on commercial relationships has also remained a major point of discussion.
La Liga president Javier Tebas further raised tensions by holding an emergency meeting with the Chinese ambassador to Spain. Tebas apologised to the Chinese people on behalf of the competition and said the actions of one individual should not damage established relationships with local partners and supporters.
That approach contrasts with Real Madrid’s position. According to information published by OK Diario and reported by French outlet Foot Mercato, the Spanish club intends to maintain its commercial ties with China and regards Mbappe’s comments as personal, with no intention to cause offence.
Real Madrid have said their agreements with Chinese sponsors have not changed, despite the termination of contracts directly linked to Mbappe.
However, a spokesperson for the Sports and Youth Centre of China Media Group publicly rejected the club’s explanation. The statement was reported by Chinese news agency Dongqiudi, citing OK Diario.
“We have taken note of Real Madrid’s position. Yesterday and today, the president of La Liga and other relevant parties sent repeated messages to CCTV offering a public apology,” the spokesperson said.
“We believe Mbappe’s outrageous remarks hurt the Chinese people, crossed red lines and went beyond the limits of freedom of expression.”
The spokesperson added: “Mbappe is a Real Madrid player and the club bears significant responsibility. Therefore, we reject Real Madrid’s justification that Mbappe ‘never intended to offend anyone and said players have the right to express their personal opinions’. We reject Real Madrid’s position.”
China Media Group also challenged the club’s claim that its partnerships with Chinese sponsors were continuing as normal.
“As for Real Madrid’s claim that the club’s partnerships with its Chinese sponsors have not changed, we will not verify that,” the statement said.
“However, we remind everyone that words and actions capable of offending the Chinese people will naturally provoke widespread anger across all sections of Chinese society. We hope Real Madrid will not be misled. Until the club offers an apology, all discussions are suspended.”
