China: Real Madrid's apology deemed insufficient in Mbappé case

Chinese state broadcaster China Media Group is maintaining the suspension of LaLiga broadcasts following the French striker's comments about Mao Zedong. The Madrid club and Javier Tebas are being called on to correct their position.

The controversy surrounding Kylian Mbappé has taken on a new dimension in China. State broadcaster China Media Group (CMG) considers Real Madrid's explanations insufficient following the French striker's comments about Mao Zedong. According to Marca, citing the EFE news agency, the group confirmed that LaLiga broadcasts have been suspended since October 26, 2026.

The affair began with an excerpt from the French programme The Bridge. Mbappé referred to a meme in which his face had been superimposed onto that of Mao Zedong, the former leader of the Chinese Communist Party and founder of the People's Republic of China. The player described the image as depicting a man he thought was a Chinese dictator. His comments sparked strong indignation in China.

Mbappé apologises, Beijing maintains the pressure

In response to the backlash, the Real Madrid striker posted an apology in Chinese, French and English on the social network X. He acknowledged that his remarks had been inappropriate and expressed his respect for the Chinese people and their history. He also said he regretted hurting people in China and within Chinese communities around the world.

These apologies failed to convince CMG officials. The broadcaster notably rejects the argument that the player never intended to offend anyone. It believes that Mbappé's statements crossed the boundaries of freedom of expression and that his club cannot absolve itself of all responsibility.

“We will listen to his words, but observe his actions much more closely,” a CMG representative said, according to Marca. The group is asking the player, Real Madrid and LaLiga to learn from the affair and correct their mistakes.

Read also: Real Madrid: China, FC ONLINE drops Kylian Mbappé

Commercial and sporting consequences

The controversy has already had economic repercussions. Chinese companies Dongpeng, Mengniu and Milkground have ended their commercial agreements with Mbappé, according to information reported by Marca. His content is also subject to restrictions on certain Chinese digital platforms.

LaLiga has also been affected. Its president, Javier Tebas, met with the Chinese ambassador to Spain and sent a letter to Chinese Central Television to apologise for the controversy.

These steps were not enough to persuade CMG to reverse its decision. The broadcaster is maintaining the suspension of broadcasts of the Spanish championship, matches involving Mbappé and his advertisements. It is demanding what it considers satisfactory apologies from Real Madrid before any resumption of dialogue.

The affair now puts the Madrid club up against an issue that extends beyond the pitch. The continuation of the dispute could affect its visibility and commercial interests in the Chinese market, as the audiovisual authorities await concrete action from the club.

Nouya M'toama

Editorfr, en

Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.

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