Real Madrid has issued an apology to the Chinese people following controversial remarks made by star forward Kylian Mbappe referring to former Chinese leader Mao Zedong as a "dictator." The incident has triggered a significant backlash in China, resulting in the French international's account on the popular social media platform Xiaohongshu, also known as RedNote, being banned for violating community guidelines.
The club's apology comes amid growing tension surrounding the player's comments, which were deemed offensive by Chinese authorities and netizens. An illustration photograph dated October 28, 2026, shows a smartphone displaying Mbappe's banned Xiaohongshu account with notifications in Chinese indicating the suspension and a block on new followers.
Real Madrid's swift response underscores the commercial and diplomatic sensitivity of the Chinese market for major European football clubs. The Spanish giants have a substantial fanbase in China and maintain significant commercial partnerships in the region. The club has not disclosed whether Mbappe will face internal disciplinary measures over the incident.
The controversy highlights the increasing scrutiny faced by global sports stars regarding political commentary on social media platforms, particularly in markets with strict content regulations. Neither Mbappe nor his representatives have issued a personal statement on the matter as of the latest reports.
