Real Madrid has issued a public apology to the Chinese people over remarks by its star striker Kylian Mbappé about Mao Zedong. The statement comes as Mbappé and La Liga face a backlash in China.
"Real Madrid C. F. wishes to express its apologies to the Chinese people for any discomfort that may have been caused by the recent words of our player Kylian Mbappé."
The club added that "Our club holds deep respect for China, its history, its culture, and its citizens, as well as for the millions of Chinese fans who feel affection and admiration for Real Madrid."
-
Aim To Cut FPI Onboarding Time From Mth To Five Days: SEBI Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey AT NDTV PROFI -
SEBI To Float Consultation Paper On FPI Norms To Align Indian Markets Globally -
Gold ETF Fund-Of-Funds Investment Curbs Are Temporary, SEBI Chair Pandey Says -
SEBI To Review Closing Auction Rules After One Year, Chairman Pandey Reiterates -
SEBI Chief: Direct MF Plans Default From Nov 1; IPO Rules, SME Framework Under Review
-
India's FII Problem Goes Beyond Taxes As Rupee Fall, US Yields Hit Returns: Ajit Dayal -
"I Am A Material Man In A Material World': Quantum Advisors' Ajit Dayal On NDTV Profit Ignite -
Structurally Positive On India In The Long-term:Ben Powell, On NDTV Profit Ignite -
'I Am My Own Intern': Tamannaah Bhatia On NDTV Profit Ignite -
Indian Mkt Will Return With The 'Smart Mkt' Story: NSE MD & CEO Ashishkumar Chauhan On NDTV Profit I
ALSO READ: Kylian Mbappe Removed From eFootball In China After Mao Zedong Controversy
The club also noted that it joins the public apology made by Mbappé, in which the player himself has expressed regret for his words and reiterated his respect for the Chinese people.
"Real Madrid reaffirms its commitment to the values of respect, coexistence, and understanding among cultures and expresses its desire to continue strengthening the bonds of friendship and affection that unite it with China and its citizens," the statement concluded.
The Fallout
The backlash has been swift and has hit Mbappé commercially. Three Chinese companies have ended their partnerships with him. Chinese state broadcasters have banned the broadcast of La Liga in the country. On Wednesday, Konami, which runs the popular football game eFootball, removed Mbappé from the game.
What Mbappé Said
The controversy began with a video from a French podcast, since taken down, in which Mbappé reacted to an internet meme of himself that appeared to depict Mao.
He called Mao "some guy" who he thought was "a Chinese dictator", according to reports. In China, jokes about Mao, the country's founding leader, are considered disrespectful and remain a social taboo.
Mbappé apologised on Tuesday in a statement published in French, Mandarin and English. "My comment was ill-judged, and I now understand that it hurt many people in China and in Chinese communities around the world," he said.
La Liga And China's Reaction
ALSO READ: China Suspends La Liga Broadcasts After Kylian Mbappe Controversy
La Liga also apologised, saying it deeply regrets the offence caused to Chinese fans, and that the comments were made in a personal capacity and do not represent the league.
La Liga president Javier Tebas wrote on X that he could not allow the actions of an individual to harm the league's relationship with China.
Essential Business Intelligence, Sharp Market Insights, Practical Personal Finance Advice, Daily Fuel, Gold and Silver Prices and Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.