Real Madrid's troubling silence on Mbappé's China controversy

Real Madrid has remained silent on Mbappé's controversy with China over comments about Mao Zedong, leaving the player to handle the diplomatic fallout alone.

A diplomatic row has erupted after Kylian Mbappé made indirect comments about Mao Zedong that drew criticism from the Chinese government. China has suspended all commercial activities involving the Real Madrid forward in response. Mbappé's representatives issued an immediate statement, and LaLiga president Javier Tebas apologized on behalf of the league and held urgent talks with China's ambassador to Madrid to resolve the matter.

Real Madrid, however, has not issued any official statement on the issue, departing from its usual practice of releasing communications on matters involving its players. This is notable given that Mbappé represents the club commercially in Asia, one of Real Madrid's key markets where the club generates millions in merchandise sales—revenue now potentially at risk following the controversy. The club appears to be taking a wait-and-see approach, hoping the situation will calm with time.