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Real Madrid have apologized to the Chinese people after Kylian Mbappe’s words, which were considered disrespectful towards the founding leader of Communist China, Mao Zedong.
Madrid’s apology came a day after Mbappe expressed regret for his comments amid a rift over the matter.
“Real Madrid CF apologizes to the people of China for any concern that our player Kylian Mbappe’s recent words may have caused,” the club said in a statement.
“Our club deeply respects China, its history, culture and citizens, as well as the millions of Chinese fans who love and admire Real Madrid.”
In an online interview, Mbappe talked about his favorite meme and apparently called Mao Zedong the “dictator of China”.
There was an immediate backlash and the French striker lost branding deals with at least three different Chinese companies. He later said his comment was “ill-judged” and “I realize now that it hurt a lot of people in China and in Chinese communities.”
Madrid said Mbappe “joined the public apology”.
“Real Madrid reaffirms its commitment to the values of respect, coexistence and understanding between cultures and expresses its desire to continue strengthening the bonds of friendship and kindness that unite it with China and its citizens,” the club said.
This photo shows French soccer star Kylian Mbappe’s Chinese social media Weibo account with a message saying, “User banned from following for violation of Weibo Community Convention” in Shanghai on Wednesday. (Jade Gao/AFP via Getty Images)
China Media Group (CMG) said it had stopped broadcasting matches in the Spanish league and other games involving the superstar player and demanded an apology from La Liga, Mbappe and Madrid.
CMG said it had received an apology from Madrid without adding further comment.
The Spanish league also apologized.
China’s foreign ministry said on Tuesday that it took Mbappe’s apology “seriously”, but it remains to be seen whether it will help him win back the brand deals or other business he lost on Tuesday.