Los Blancos posted an apology on Weibo after the 20-year-old defender shared content on social media mocking Asian physical features
Real Madrid have issued an apology on Chinese social network Weibo following controversy over defender Dean Huijsen‘s Instagram repost of content containing offensive comments about Asian people.
The statement, posted in Chinese on the club’s official Weibo account, attributes the apology directly to the 20-year-old Dutch-Spanish player.
“I sincerely apologise to my Chinese friends. I previously unintentionally reposted content that included offensive messages. It was completely unintentional, and I regret the discomfort caused,” the statement reads.
The controversy erupted over the weekend when Huijsen reposted an image that Chinese users condemned as racist for mocking the physical features of Asian people.
The screenshot, since deleted from his Instagram account, showed a person of Asian origin accompanied by two comments reading “even the Chinese call him Chinese” and “you can blindfold him with dental floss”, references to eye shape stereotypes that have long been used to demean Asian communities.
Chinese fans have criticised both the scope and delivery method of the apology. Many are demanding a public statement on international platforms or a video message from Huijsen himself rather than a written statement posted exclusively on Weibo, suggesting they view the response as insufficient given the offence caused.
Jose Mourinho skipped Benfica’s pre-match press conference, citing emotional burnout from the Vinicius Jr incident in midweek. https://t.co/U89T0x1wsC #ViniJr #RealMadrid #Benfica pic.twitter.com/AJg2lyMKSt
— BBSportNews (@thebbsportnews) February 21, 2026
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Second controversy in two years involving Chinese community
This represents Real Madrid’s second significant controversy involving offensive content directed at Chinese people within two years. In 2024, the club faced backlash over a video showing a Real Madrid supporter singing what the Chinese Embassy in Spain described as a song “insulting to China, vulgar, and malicious” before the Champions League final between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid.
“The remarks were vulgar and malicious,” the statement read. “The embassy is deeply shocked and outraged by this and has immediately lodged a stern protest with Real Madrid FC.”
On that occasion, Real Madrid issued a statement through diplomatic channels expressing rejection of the fan’s “inappropriate behaviour” whilst condemning “any form of racism and xenophobia.”
The club characterised the incident as “an isolated incident by an individual fan” that didn’t represent their values, reiterating “appreciation and respect” for Chinese fans.
That incident involving Huijsen came just a few days after his teammate Vinícius Júnior was allegedly racially abused by Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni in the first leg of the Champions League playoffs between the two teams.
“Real Madrid appreciates the unanimous support, backing, and affection that our player Vinicius Jr. has received from all areas of the global football community,” the club’s statement read.
“Real Madrid will continue working, in collaboration with all institutions, to eradicate racism, violence, and hate in sports and society.”