Real Madrid apologise to Chinese people after Mbappe's Mao 'dictator' comment

Real Madrid issued a formal apology Wednesday after French forward Kylian Mbappe's comments calling former Chinese leader Mao Zedong a dictator triggered backlash in China. The remarks prompted apologies from both Mbappe and LaLiga, while state broadcaster Migu pulled Real Madrid's Sunday match against Racing Santander from its schedule. Chinese brands including dairy companies Mengniu and Shanghai Milkground Food Tech ended sponsorship deals with the player.

LaLiga President Javier Tebas established a crisis unit and met with Chinese Ambassador Yao Jing, with officials considering a trip to Beijing to mitigate financial losses. The controversy underscores commercial risks for athletes and sports organizations in China's lucrative market, where criticism of Mao remains politically sensitive. LaLiga is scheduled to show nine of ten matches this weekend, with Real Madrid's game the sole exception.