China Says It Values Mbappé’s Apology Amid Controversy Over His Remarks

China’s Foreign Ministry said on October 28, 2026, that it valued the apology issued by French football star Kylian Mbappé over remarks concerning China that had sparked widespread criticism. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun made the statement during a regular press briefing, offering Beijing’s first response to the player’s public apology.

Asked by an Agence France-Presse journalist how China viewed Mbappé’s apology, Guo replied: “We value the apology made by the person concerned.” The reporter also asked whether Real Madrid, Mbappé’s club, should issue an apology of its own.

A Reuters journalist subsequently asked whether China would ease the backlash against Mbappé following his apology and what further steps might be required. Guo reiterated that China valued the apology but did not elaborate further.

The response came one day after Mbappé published a public statement on October 27. The controversy began after remarks he made during an interview about an internet meme involving a Chinese historical figure circulated online. The comments triggered strong criticism on Chinese social media and prompted several Chinese companies to announce the termination of their commercial partnerships with the footballer. Restrictions were also imposed on his accounts on Chinese social platforms.

In his apology, Mbappé acknowledged that his remarks had been inappropriate and said they had hurt people in China and Chinese communities around the world. He apologized to those affected, stated that causing offense had not been his intention and expressed deep respect for the Chinese people and their history.

China’s latest statement explicitly acknowledges the apology, but it does not announce that the controversy has been resolved. Nor does it confirm that any existing restrictions or commercial consequences will be reversed. The response should therefore not be interpreted as a declaration that all concerns have been settled.

The controversy has also drawn responses from La Liga, the Spanish professional football league. Its president, Javier Tebas, met with Chinese Ambassador to Spain Yao Jing to discuss the incident and seek a way forward, highlighting the broader implications for football organizations and their relationships with Chinese fans.

The episode illustrates the challenges facing internationally prominent athletes when public remarks are received differently across cultural contexts. An apology can be an important step in addressing concerns, but restoring public confidence may require sustained communication, cultural awareness and responsible conduct.

For now, Guo’s remarks provide a clear indication that Beijing takes Mbappé’s apology seriously. However, whether the controversy will lead to an improvement in relations with Chinese fans, sponsors and media organizations remains uncertain. Further developments will depend on the actions taken by the parties involved and the response from the wider public.