Culture · Beijing, China · October 29, 2026

Real Madrid apologizes to China over Mbappé remark

Reported by 4 outlets · first reported Oct 28, 7:49 AM ET · from an earlier edition that day

Real Madrid apologized to China after Kylian Mbappé called Mao a dictator. Brands ended deals with him. Sanrio also cut ties with a Japanese drama after Chinese criticism.

Why it matters

Brands face costs from remarks sensitive in China.

Background

Mao Zedong remains a sensitive figure in China.

Sources

• Japan Times ↗Oct 29, 12:00 AM ET
• The Hindu ↗Oct 28, 7:49 AM ET
• Japan Times ↗Oct 28, 10:16 PM ET

This summary was written automatically from the reporting linked above; follow the sources for the full story. How One Turn works.

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