China Criticizes Real Madrid for Delayed Response to Mbappé Controversy and Accuses Double Standards

The repercussions of the controversy sparked by Kylian Mbappé's remarks about Chinese leader Mao Zedong continue, as criticism has shifted to Real Madrid for its delayed handling of the issue amid accusations of double standards. Mbappé caused widespread anger in China after jokingly calling Mao Zedong "the Chinese dictator," before quickly apologizing following a wave of criticism across the country. The backlash extended beyond media reactions, with Chinese platforms blocking images of the player and two Chinese companies terminating their partnerships with him. A spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs commented on Mbappé's apology, stating, "We appreciate the apology made." The crisis also affected Spanish football after partial suspension of La Liga broadcasts in China, prompting the league president to meet with the Chinese ambassador in Spain. According to French reports, the criticism expanded to include Real Madrid itself, with official Chinese media accusing the club of applying "double standards" due to its differing responses to Mbappé's controversy compared to previous incidents of racism against its player Vinícius Júnior. The club issued a public apology 48 hours after the crisis began, a timing considered late by Chinese media given the sensitivity of the matter. Reports noted that the club was quick to condemn racist incidents against Vinícius but initially remained silent on Mbappé's issue before later intervening, raising questions about the reasons for this discrepancy. Chinese media linked the delay to the club's desire to balance "maintaining the commercial value of its star player" with "the benefits provided by the Chinese market." A Chinese newspaper warned that restoring trust will be challenging and will require concrete measures from the Spanish club.