Mbappe fallout reaches La Liga as China’s Migu changes weekend coverage

Chinese video platform Migu has removed Racing Santander’s La Liga meeting with Real Madrid from its television schedule, in the first reported action affecting the club after comments by France forward Kylian Mbappe about former Chinese leader Mao Zedong.

The match is due to take place on Sunday, 01 November 2026, at El Sardinero. It will no longer be shown in China, a decision that could have financial consequences for both La Liga and Real Madrid, according to Mundo Deportivo.

Migu has about 400 million subscribers in China and is one of the country’s major sports broadcasters, including for La Liga matches. Its listings still include Real Madrid’s Champions League fixture against AEK Athens on 04 November 2026.

The decision comes as the repercussions from Mbappe’s comments continue to spread. Chinese authorities and businesses have taken steps to end commercial activities connected with the player, including coverage of matches in which he appears.

Dispute over satirical image

The controversy began after a video interview with Mbappe circulated online. During the interview, he discussed a satirical image in which his face had been superimposed on that of a Chinese political figure. Mbappe described the figure as a Chinese dictator.

Although he did not name Mao Zedong, the image was linked to the former Chinese leader, prompting widespread anger on Chinese social media.

Mbappe subsequently apologised and said he was sorry for hurting the feelings of people in China and elsewhere. Real Madrid also issued a formal apology to the Chinese people, while La Liga president Javier Tebas intervened in an attempt to contain the dispute.

Those statements did not immediately bring the disagreement to an end. Migu’s removal of the Racing Santander fixture from its schedule represents a further development in the dispute and the first reported measure directly affecting the broadcasting of a Real Madrid match in China.

Reports in the media have also said that Chinese companies have ended their commercial relationships with Mbappe. Among them are Mengniu Dairy Group, Shanghai Milkground and Dongpeng Beverages.

The breakdown of those partnerships threatens the forward’s advertising income and could reduce his future opportunities in the Chinese market. The latest broadcasting decision may now also affect the commercial returns received by Real Madrid and La Liga from the region.