Real Madrid apologizes for Mbappé case, China responds

Real Madrid issued an official apology to China over Mbappé's viral meme involving Mao Zedong, joining the player's earlier public apology.

Kylian Mbappé faced backlash after a meme featuring former Chinese leader Mao Zedong went viral on social media in China. The Real Madrid forward subsequently apologized to the Chinese people for the offense caused by his words.

Real Madrid followed with an official statement expressing regret for the controversy. The club's statement read: "Real Madrid wishes to apologize to the Chinese people for the discomfort that recent statements by our player Kylian Mbappé may have caused. Our club holds deep respect for China, its history, its culture and its citizens, as well as for the millions of Chinese fans who hold affection and admiration for Real Madrid. The club joins the public apologies expressed by Kylian Mbappé, with which the player has expressed his regret for his words and reaffirmed his respect for the Chinese people."

China's official response stated: "We take seriously the apologies presented by the person concerned." The incident had previously led to the termination of commercial agreements between Mbappé and Chinese sponsors, as well as the removal of content featuring the player from Chinese social media platforms.