China Media Group rejects Mbappé apology and suspends La Liga

China Media Group rejected apologies from Real Madrid and Kylian Mbappé, confirming the suspension of La Liga broadcasts in the country following a social media post featuring an image of Mao Zedong.

The Interview Comment That Sparked the Diplomatic Crisis

The controversy centers on a recent interview in which Kylian Mbappé was asked about his favorite internet meme. The French forward identified an image depicting his own face superimposed onto the body of Mao Zedong, referring to the former Chinese Communist Party leader as a Chinese dictator without explicitly naming him, according to 20minutos.es. The remarks immediately ignited a severe backlash across mainland China, drawing sharp condemnation from state media and the public.

As public outrage mounted, several major Chinese commercial partners moved swiftly to distance themselves from the player. Corporations including Dongpeng, Mengniu, and Milkground terminated their endorsement contracts with Mbappé, while digital platforms within the country imposed strict limitations on content featuring the Real Madrid star.

Kylian Mbappé Apologizes to Chinese People

In an effort to mend ties with a vital commercial market, Kylian Mbappé released a multi-language statement on Tuesday apologizing for the remarks. “Mi comentario fue desacertado y ahora entiendo que hirió a muchas personas en China y en las comunidades chinas de todo el mundo. Pido disculpas a todas las personas a las que hayan molestado mis palabras.” The statement also added that it was not his intention at all, that he feels deep respect for the Chinese people and their history, and that he sincerely regrets it.

Simultaneously, La Liga stepped into the diplomatic fray. League president Javier Tebas traveled to Madrid on Tuesday to meet directly with Chinese Ambassador to Spain Yao Jing, attempting to soothe bilateral tensions. Tebas also dispatched an official letter of apology to China Media Group, condemning the player’s behavior as unacceptable and detrimental to the competition’s standing in Asia, stating that they understand the damage caused and wish to convey sincere apologies to the Chinese people on behalf of La Liga, noting that for many years they have built a relationship of respect, trust, and cooperation with China, its authorities, sports institutions, audiovisual operators, and millions of fans of Spanish football.

“El Real Madrid C.”

State Media Rejection and the Suspension of La Liga

Despite the coordinated apologies from the player, the club, and the league office, Chinese state broadcasters maintained an uncompromising stance, holding that La Liga, Real Madrid, and especially Mbappé needed to publicly apologize and submit a written letter of apology. Representatives from China Media Group stated that Mbappé’s comments transcended freedom of expression and offended the Chinese people, crossing fundamental limits and declaring that any word or action that hurts the feelings of the Chinese people will inevitably face the collective rejection of all sectors of Chinese society, warning that it would suit Real Madrid well to abandon any daydream to the contrary.

A spokesperson for the CMG Center for Sports and Youth explicitly rejected the defense mounted by Real Madrid—namely, that the forward held no intention to cause offense and possessed the right to personal expression. The state broadcaster confirmed that on October 26 it had suspended all live match broadcasts of La Liga, transmissions involving Mbappé, and his associated commercial spots, maintaining that while it will listen to words, it will watch actions with much greater attention, and that until the club presents satisfactory apologies, there is nothing to talk about, while noting that the team cannot evade its responsibility.

Commercial and Strategic Fallout for Spanish Football

La Liga maintains extensive cooperative agreements in the region, anchored by a multi-year strategic partnership with China’s professional league framework extending through 2029.

With Real Madrid relying heavily on Asian merchandise sales and fan engagement streams to sustain its global revenue model, club executives face mounting pressure to broker a resolution. Representatives for China Media Group indicated that while authorities are monitoring statements from Madrid, future discussions depend entirely on substantive remedial measures beyond current public declarations.

More on this story: China State Broadcaster Suspends LaLiga After Mbappé Meme · China Halts Real Madrid Broadcasts as Sponsors Cut Ties With Mbappé

More on Mbappé: Kylian Mbappé Mao Zedong Remarks Jeopardize LaLiga Deals · Kylian Mbappé Loses Chinese Sponsors and Faces Backlash Over Mao Zedong Video · Kylian Mbappé apologizes for calling Mao Zedong a dictator