Real Madrid game removed from Chinese broadcast schedule as Mbappe controversy grows

China Media Group has withdrawn coverage of Real Madrid’s La Liga match at Racing Santander on 1 November 2026, as criticism of Kylian Mbappe continues to spread across China.

The fixture, part of La Liga’s 11th round, had been due to be shown with Real Madrid visiting Racing Santander. However, the decision to stop the broadcast has raised questions over whether Chinese broadcasters intend to exclude every match involving the France forward.

Mbappe has faced widespread criticism after a clip from the programme The Bridge circulated online. In the footage, the Real Madrid player appeared to joke about former Chinese leader Mao Zedong and described him as a “dictator”.

According to RMC Sport, the other matches from the La Liga round remain listed on the Migu platform, which holds responsibility for broadcasting sporting events in China. The removal of Real Madrid’s fixture therefore appears to be directly linked to the reaction surrounding Mbappe, although China Media Group has not been reported as extending the decision to the rest of the league schedule.

The next issue could concern France’s fixtures. The forward’s next match with the national team is scheduled for 12 November, prompting uncertainty over whether any boycott would also apply to games in which Mbappe represents France.

Mbappe’s commercial presence reduced

While the position on future broadcasts remains unclear, the controversy has already affected Mbappe’s visibility in China. Advertisements featuring him have been taken down, his shirt has disappeared from markets and his social media accounts have been blocked.

Three major companies that had used Mbappe’s name and image also announced that they were ending their partnerships with him with immediate effect.

The Chinese government expressed its displeasure over the incident before later stating that it was taking Mbappe’s apology seriously. That apology, however, has so far failed to ease the situation in China.

The removal of Real Madrid’s match from the broadcast schedule is the latest development in the dispute, with the extent of any further action against coverage of Mbappe’s club and international appearances still unknown.