CCTV Confirms Receipt of Real Madrid’s Apology Letter Over Mbappé’s Remarks on China

China Media Group, which operates China Central Television (CCTV), confirmed on October 28, 2026, that it had received a formal apology letter from Spanish football club Real Madrid concerning remarks about China made by its forward Kylian Mbappé. The club sent the letter through Spain’s La Liga and expressed regret to the Chinese people, reaffirming its respect for China, its history and culture, and its millions of supporters in the country.

According to reports from CCTV News, Real Madrid formally contacted China Media Group on the afternoon of October 28. In the letter, the club said it held deep respect for China and the Chinese people, valued the country’s history and culture, and appreciated the longstanding affection and support of millions of Chinese fans.

The letter also referred to Mbappé’s earlier public apology. Real Madrid said the player had expressed regret over his remarks and reiterated his respect for the Chinese people. The club reaffirmed its commitment to respect, peaceful coexistence and mutual understanding between different cultures, expressing a desire to strengthen its ties with China and its people.

The written apology followed an earlier request from China Media Group. On October 27, the broadcaster had raised the issue with La Liga and called on the league, Real Madrid and Mbappé to issue sincere public apologies and submit a formal written apology to the broadcaster. La Liga president Javier Tebas had also sent a letter expressing regret over the incident.

The controversy began after Mbappé made remarks during an interview about an internet image involving a Chinese historical figure. The comments triggered criticism on Chinese social media and broadened into a debate about cultural respect, the responsibilities of public figures and the relationship between international football organizations and Chinese audiences.

However,confirmation that the letter was received does not mean that China Media Group has accepted all of Real Madrid’s explanations or that the controversy has been resolved.Earlier on October 28, a spokesperson for CCTV’s Sports and Youth Programming Center said the broadcaster did not accept the club’s position regarding the player’s intentions and freedom of personal expression. The spokesperson stressed that further progress depended on an adequate apology from Real Madrid.

For Real Madrid, China represents a significant football market with a large supporter base and extensive opportunities for commercial partnerships and cultural exchange. The episode highlights the importance of addressing cross-cultural controversies with more than general expressions of regret. Clear communication, accountability and subsequent actions may all influence whether public trust can be restored.

As of October 28, Real Madrid had formally sent its apology letter to China Media Group through La Liga. It remained unclear whether broadcast arrangements would change, whether relations between the parties would improve, or how Chinese fans would respond to the club’s latest statement.

The next stage will depend on how the parties address the concerns raised and whether their subsequent actions match their public commitments. For international clubs and high-profile athletes, rebuilding trust requires not only an apology letter, but also consistent conduct and respect for the communities they engage with.