Real Madrid is facing relentless criticism in China over the Kylian Mbappé controversy, as the backlash has expanded from the player’s initial remarks to the club’s handling of the situation.
According to Foot Mercato, citing Spanish reports, Chinese state media and governmental platforms accused the club of double standards despite the release of a public apology.
The criticism centers on the roughly 48-hour delay before the official apology was issued—a timeframe that critics viewed as sluggish when dealing with an issue that sparked widespread outrage within the Chinese market.
Those outlets contrasted the delay with Real Madrid’s swift responses in condemning racial abuse directed at Vinícius Júnior, questioning the disparity in the club’s reaction speed regarding the Mbappé controversy.
The crisis erupted when the French forward described Mao Zedong as a “Chinese dictator” during a lighthearted exchange on The Bridge podcast, prior to issuing an apology in French, English, and Chinese.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated: “I have already answered this question, and we appreciate the apology offered by the individual concerned.”
The fallout has extended to the commercial and media spheres, with reports indicating that Chinese sponsors have terminated their partnerships with the player alongside a partial suspension of La Liga broadcasts, prompting La Liga President Javier Tebas to meet with China’s ambassador to Spain.
