Real Madrid under pressure to respond as China cuts Mbappe-linked broadcasts

Real Madrid may issue a statement within the next few hours as the controversy involving Kylian Mbappe in China continues to widen, according to Radio Marca journalist Ramon Alvarez.

Alvarez wrote on X: “It is highly likely that Real Madrid will issue a statement shortly regarding the Mbappe-China crisis.”

He did not reveal what the statement might contain and stressed that the club had not made a final decision to publish one.

The potential response comes after China’s state broadcaster, CCTV, reportedly stopped showing La Liga matches as well as games involving Mbappe. Advertisements and video clips featuring the Real Madrid forward have also been removed, according to Spain’s official news agency.

The decision could damage La Liga’s commercial and media relationship with the Chinese market. The dispute, which initially spread through social media, has now reached sponsorship, advertising and broadcast rights.

Three Chinese companies had already ended their commercial partnerships with Mbappe. They said they objected to comments or actions viewed as offensive to Chinese national sentiment.

The row centres on remarks attributed to Mbappe about a satirical image combining his face with that of former Chinese leader Mao Zedong. According to the Spanish news agency EFE, Mbappe was asked which humorous image he liked most and replied that the one which made him laugh most showed his face superimposed on the image of a Chinese dictator. He added that he often used it with friends.

Mbappe did not directly name Mao Zedong in the reported comments. However, the controversy became associated with a widely circulated image using the former leader’s appearance, prompting criticism in China.

Tebas apologises

Javier Tebas, president of La Liga, apologised to the Chinese people on behalf of the league in an attempt to contain the fallout.

Tebas said he regretted the offence caused by the incident and confirmed that La Liga was working with its partners and relevant authorities in China to resolve the situation.

He also said an individual incident should not be allowed to harm the relationship La Liga had built with China over many years. That relationship, he added, involved more than 20 clubs competing in professional competitions and millions of Chinese supporters.

The sporting community is now waiting to see whether Real Madrid will clarify its position. The consequences of the dispute have extended beyond Mbappe, affecting wider commercial and media interests connected with Spanish football.

The listed La Liga fixtures include Barcelona on 31 October 2026, while Deportivo Alaves and Racing Santander are scheduled to play in La Liga on 01 November 2026. Real Madrid is also included in the listed fixtures.