Chinese state television has halted broadcasts of Real Madrid matches and La Liga fixtures after resurfaced social media footage linked French forward Kylian Mbappé to a satirical comparison involving Mao Zedong. The diplomatic fallout from the online video, originally recorded in March 2026, has triggered immediate commercial consequences in Asian markets, leading three Chinese corporate partners to terminate endorsement agreements with the player.
China Central Television (CCTV) confirmed it would suspend all broadcasts of Real Madrid fixtures and Spanish league matches until further notice.
Mbappé Jokes About Mao Zedong Meme in Video
The controversy centers on a video segment filmed for the online talk show “The Bridge,” hosted by Aurélien Tchouaméni. During backstage makeup preparations, Mbappé joked about a viral internet meme comparing his appearance to that of a Chinese dictator, accompanied by edited imagery of Mao Zedong. The footage re-emerged publicly on October 26, 2026, coinciding with the Ballon d’Or ceremony in London.
Sponsor Terminations Across Chinese Markets
The football media outlet Dongqiudi flagged the resurfaced footage, stating that the remarks risked offending the Chinese public. Within hours of the broadcast’s renewed circulation, three Chinese commercial partners severed ties with Mbappé. The energy drink brand Bushuila, a subsidiary of Dongpeng, joined dairy manufacturers Mengniu and Milkground in cancelling their sponsorship contracts with the player.
Broadcast Suspension Impacts Real Madrid Financial Strategy
Vincent Chaudel, founder of the Sports Business Observatory, noted that the broadcast suspension directly impacts Real Madrid’s financial strategy. The club recently surpassed one billion euros in revenue, a milestone driven heavily by international commercial exposure and sponsorship agreements within markets like China, which holds a population of 1.4 billion.
According to Chaudel, international sports governance increasingly depends on financial inflows from emerging economies, including BRICS+ nations that maintain distinct political and cultural frameworks from Western institutions. The incident shows the financial power commercial partners hold in regions where state policy and economic investment overlap with sports broadcasting.
Chinese state television has suspended broadcasts of La Liga matches following remarks by Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe about Mao Zedong, state-owned China Media Group announces. pic.twitter.com/LGYgvZ1oN8
Apologies Issued and Future Broadcast Uncertainty
Following the commercial backlash, Mbappé issued a public apology. Javier Tebas, president of the Spanish football league, also offered apologies regarding the unfolding diplomatic friction. Industry analysts anticipate that formal apologies from the player and league officials will eventually ease relations between the club, its star forward, and regulatory bodies in Beijing.
Observers indicate that the swift reaction from Chinese authorities and corporate sponsors serves as a broader warning to international athletes regarding public commentary touching on sensitive political figures and modern state history. No further official statements regarding the timeline for the resumption of La Liga broadcasts in China have been released.
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