China and Real Madrid: Three Sponsors, One Controversy

TVS News AI, editorially supervised, presents China and Real Madrid: Three Sponsors, One Controversy.

The controversy surrounding Kylian Mbappé and a meme depicting Mao Zedong have put Real Madrid in a delicate position: the Spanish club does not want to jeopardize its relationships with China. This affects not only the Chinese state and its sports institutions, but also the millions of Chinese fans who support the club there.

The club’s response was strikingly unequivocal. After Mbappé’s apologies on Tuesday, Real Madrid also apologized the following day. In an official statement, the club emphasized its respect for China, its history, culture and citizens. At the same time, it said it wanted to continue strengthening its friendly relationships.

For you, the controversy therefore becomes more tangible: Real Madrid does not cultivate its ties with China solely out of sporting sympathy. Since Florentino Pérez took over as president in 2000, the club has built commercial agreements, educational projects and an international strategy centered on the Asian market. That explains why its sponsorship relationships are so important to the club.

Why Real Madrid Treats China So Cautiously

The trigger was a meme featuring Mbappé and the face of Mao Zedong. According to ABC, the ensuing controversy forced the club to put its relationship with the Asian giant on the back burner. That means the Chinese market is not merely a source of revenue for Real Madrid, but also a relationship that must remain politically, socially and emotionally stable among the fans.

The club’s statement fit into a long-standing strategy. Real Madrid wants to expand its international reach, win new supporters and achieve business success. The fact that it issued its apology publicly and in such unequivocal terms particularly highlights the economic dimension of the incident.

Three Chinese Brands Stand Behind Madrid

Linglong Tire signed a global sponsorship agreement with Real Madrid in September 2024. The Chinese tire manufacturer now participates in the club’s events and develops joint marketing campaigns.

Roborock joined in early 2026. The maker of robot vacuums and smart cleaning solutions agreed a partnership intended to secure a prominent presence in the Madrid club’s most important commercial areas. Joint fan initiatives are also part of the agreement.

Hisense is another Chinese technology company involved as a sponsor. Both sides signed a three-year sponsorship agreement in August 2024. Hisense became a regional partner in Spain, Africa and the Middle East. Together, they also launched a Limited-Edition television with a 100-inch screen.

The partnerships therefore extend beyond traditional shirt sponsorship. They combine brand building with club activities, product launches and fan campaigns. For the Chinese companies, Madrid provides a platform to make their brands more internationally known; for the club, the Chinese partners open up additional advertising and campaign opportunities.

Real Madrid Already Has a China-Based Company

Real Madrid has its own corporate structure for its economic foothold in China. The club holds 100 percent of the capital in Real Madrid Beijing Co., Ltd.. The subsidiary is intended to advance the Madrid club’s brand in China and other Asian countries.

The connection thus extends beyond individual sponsorship agreements. Alongside advertising for Chinese brands, the club’s Chinese engagement has included commercial agreements, educational projects and an international orientation for years. That explains why the club did not dismiss the Mbappé meme as an isolated social media statement, but instead publicly showed consideration for its relationships with China.

What the Apology Means for the Club’s China Ties

The case reveals a contradiction: the stronger the economic and social ties, the more sensitive the club becomes to politically or socially charged symbols. At the same time, the three brands show that Real Madrid does not depend on a single source of revenue in China. Linglong Tire, Roborock and Hisense represent different industries: tires, home appliances and consumer electronics.

Viewed soberly, the case shows that Real Madrid is protecting not just a brand, but an entire network of business relationships, fan loyalty and international reputation. The information available does not provide a reliable answer to how successfully the club can maintain that balance.