28th October 2026 – (Madrid) Real Madrid apologised to the Chinese people on Wednesday after forward Kylian Mbappé prompted a fierce backlash by referring to late Chinese leader Mao Zedong as a dictator.

The controversy arose from a video on a French podcast, which has since been removed, in which Mbappé discussed a meme that had superimposed his face onto an image of “some guy — I think he’s a Chinese dictator.”

Chinese dairy companies Mengniu and Shanghai Milkground Food Tech, along with Eastroc Beverage, ended their partnerships with Mbappé on Tuesday. The French international has also apologised for his remarks.

“Real Madrid CF wishes to express its apologies to the Chinese people for any discomfort caused by the recent words of our player Kylian Mbappé,” the club said in a statement.

“Our club maintains a 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,” it added.

The episode highlights the risks facing athletes and brands operating in China’s lucrative consumer market. Satire or critical commentary concerning Mao, the founding leader of modern China who ruled from 1949 until his death in 1976, remains socially taboo in the country.

Fans have created memes placing Mbappé’s face on images of military and political leaders, joking that he wields enough influence to shape decisions at the clubs for which he plays.