China Suspends Broadcast of Real Madrid Matches Amid Controversy Over Mbappé’s Remarks

Chinese state broadcaster CCTV did not broadcast Real Madrid’s La Liga match against Racing Santander last Sunday, despite an apology from Kylian Mbappe over comments he made about former Chinese leader Mao Zedong.

Last week, the star striker joked on a French television show that the funniest meme he had ever seen was one in which his face was superimposed on the face of “a Chinese dictator”, who looked like Mao Zedong – although he did not directly mention Mao by name.

China accepted his apology on Wednesday. “We take the apology made by the relevant person seriously,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiaqun told reporters.

In China, Mao Zedong’s legacy as the founder of the People’s Republic of China is held in high regard. Criticizing him or calling him a dictator is strictly forbidden.

The 27-year-old France captain admitted his comments were “not thoughtful”. Mbappe, who has had equal influence at club side Real Madrid and the national team, is often described as authoritarian in his dressing room communication style.

Despite the massive famine and millions of deaths caused by Mao Zedong’s policies, he remains a revered figure in China. As a result, Mbappe’s comments sparked strong reactions across the country.

CCTV’s parent company, China Media Group (CMG), announced the suspension of La Liga broadcasts after the controversy erupted, citing an “inevitable precondition” for resolving the issue, including an apology from Mbappe, Real Madrid and league authorities.

All three parties later apologized. Mbappe said, “My comment was inappropriate. I now understand that it hurt many Chinese people around the world, including China.”

CMG accepted the apology but did not clarify when the broadcast would resume.

Mbappe has also suffered commercial losses due to the controversy, with several Chinese brands canceling their sponsorship deals with him.

Real Madrid defeated Racing Santander 3-0 on Sunday, with goals from Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Ian Diomande.

China is a major market for European football, with state broadcaster CCTV regularly broadcasting live matches from the English Premier League, as well as the top leagues in Germany, France and Italy.

Reuters reported last week that La Liga president Javier Tebas had set up a crisis unit to deal with the situation and met with Chinese Ambassador Yao Jing on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho said on Saturday that the club had nothing more to say on the matter.

“That’s the big danger in today’s world, where sometimes it’s wisest not to say anything, because whatever you say, there’s a risk,” Mourinho told reporters ahead of Sunday’s match.

He added, “But I saw him (Mbappe) behaving responsibly with a great club. That’s the end of it for us. Both Real Madrid and Kylian Mbappe showed the courtesy to react immediately and as a manager I am pleased with their move.”