Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé has faced significant backlash in China following comments made during an interview on the French television program The Bridge. The controversy, which stems from the player’s remarks regarding a meme featuring an image of himself superimposed onto a figure he described as a suspected Chinese dictator, has disrupted broadcasting schedules and commercial relationships in the Chinese market, as reported by VIVA.co.id.
According to CNBC Indonesia, China Central Television (CCTV) declined to broadcast Real Madrid’s La Liga match against Racing Santander. The fixture, which was scheduled to begin at 15:15 GMT or 22:15 Indonesian time on Sunday, November 1, 2026, was omitted from both of CCTV’s sports channels and was absent from live broadcasts on Migu, a digital streaming service operated by state-owned telecommunications company China Mobile. Sumut Pos reported that CCTV extended a boycott of La Liga across the weekend, resulting in five scheduled matches failing to air, after authorities confirmed that none of the five fixtures listed on the official Friday and Saturday broadcast schedule were shown.
Apology Issued as Diplomatic Tensions Rise
In response to the public outcry, Mbappé issued a formal apology in French, Mandarin, and English. “My comments were not well considered. Now I understand that these words have hurt many people in China and the Chinese community around the world. I apologize to everyone who was offended by my remarks,” the French national team captain stated. The apology was reported by Al Jazeerah and delivered on Tuesday local time, following earlier remarks where he recounted being entertained by an internet meme showing his face digitally attached to a figure he referred to as a suspected Chinese dictator. La Liga also expressed deep regret, while Real Madrid joined in apologizing to the Chinese public.
Guo Jiakun, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, indicated that the government is reviewing the apology seriously, stating, “Kami menanggapi dengan serius permintaan maaf yang telah disampaikan oleh yang bersangkutan.” The ministry emphasized that apologies from La Liga, Mbappé, and Real Madrid serve as an absolute prerequisite for resolving the controversy. La Liga, led by President Javier Tebas, has also sent a letter to CCTV to address the diplomatic strain, as noted by Sumut Pos.
Commercial Impacts and Industry Precedents
The incident has extended beyond the pitch, with multiple brands reportedly canceling sponsorship agreements with the player in the Chinese market. This situation reflects a broader sensitivity in the region toward international figures; CNBC Indonesia noted a similar incident in 2019, when the NBA experienced a multi-year broadcast interruption after Daryl Morey, then the general manager of the Houston Rockets, expressed support for demonstrators in Hong Kong. Beyond La Liga, CCTV broadcasts matches from the English Premier League, German Bundesliga, French Ligue 1, and Italian Serie A.
Real Madrid coach José Mourinho previously stated that the club has done its part to resolve the controversy. Meanwhile, journalist Daniel Riolo, speaking on the program L’After Foot for the French radio station RMC, praised Mbappé’s mental strength and ability to navigate a difficult week that followed the Ballon d’Or gala and the backlash in China. Describing the sequence of events as “entirely absurd,” Riolo highlighted that the player scored a goal against Racing Santander despite facing immense political and diplomatic pressure. Riolo also questioned the surrounding scrutiny by pointing to an investigation in Sweden where Mbappé had been accused of rape before the prosecutor’s office concluded after a two-month investigation that no criminal offense took place, suggesting that the timing of these events points to a conspiracy targeting the player.
Historical Context of the Figure Mentioned
Mao Zedong remains a foundational figure in Chinese history and is widely respected as the founding father of the People’s Republic of China. Born on December 26, 1893, in Shaoshan, Hunan Province, from a farming family, he pursued teacher training before moving to Beijing, where he worked in a university library and engaged with Marxist literature. After an initial alliance between the Kuomintang (KMT) and the PKC, KMT leader Chiang Kai-shek launched a crackdown against communists in 1927. Following a temporary alliance during the war against Japan from 1937 to 1945 and a subsequent civil war ending in communist victory, Mao proclaimed the founding of the People’s Republic of China on October 1, 1949, while Chiang Kai-shek relocated to Taiwan, according to records cited by VIVA.co.id.
Status of Future Broadcasts
As of early November 2026, the status of future Real Madrid broadcasts on CCTV remains unconfirmed. While La Liga, Real Madrid, and Mbappé have issued apologies, it is unknown whether the discussions to resolve the tension have begun.
