Real Madrid Defender Dean Huijsen Apologises for Offensive Social-Media Post

Madrid, Spain – Real Madrid have issued an official apology on behalf of centre-back Dean Huijsen after the 19-year-old defender reposted an image on Instagram that Chinese users condemned as racist toward Asians.

The now-deleted screenshot showed an Asian individual accompanied by two mocking comments about eye shape, including the line “You could blindfold him with dental floss.” The post, circulated at a moment when global anti-racism discourse is especially acute, drew swift backlash across Chinese social networks.

In response, the club published a statement on Huijsen’s behalf via their verified Weibo account, the country’s dominant social-media platform.

“I sincerely apologise to my Chinese friends,” the statement read. “I previously reposted, unintentionally, content that included offensive messages. It was completely unintentional and I regret the discomfort caused.”

While Real Madrid’s rapid reaction has been noted, a segment of Chinese supporters argue the apology should also appear on international channels to reach the player’s broader follower base. The episode revives memories of a 2024 incident in which a Madrid fan was filmed singing a derogatory song targeting Chinese people, placing the Spanish giants once again at the centre of an anti-Asian racism row.

The timing is awkward for a club that has positioned itself at the forefront of football’s fight against discrimination, most prominently through campaigns supporting forward Vinicius Jr. With the club repeatedly pledging zero tolerance for racism, scrutiny will intensify over how thoroughly they police the conduct of both fans and players.

Real Madrid have yet to announce any disciplinary measures regarding Huijsen, but the club’s immediate public apology underscores the reputational stakes involved.

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