Real Madrid loses Chinese TV slot after Mbappe apology

Real Madrid fans in China will no longer see their club on state television. The broadcaster CCTV has removed Spanish top-flight matches from its schedule following a dispute over Kylian Mbappe. The French striker made comments about Mao Zedong that were perceived as mocking. Leading Chinese brands have also cut ties with the 27-year-old. This move affects a market that is the second biggest economy in the world.

The controversy began when a video emerged this week. In it, Mbappe discussed an internet meme that placed his face on a figure described as a Chinese dictator. He said the image amused him. Mao is officially revered as the founder of the People's Republic of China. While historians blame him for millions of deaths, public mockery is considered a taboo in the country. The video was reportedly filmed in April, but it circulated online in the days before the apology.

The reaction from Beijing was swift. Chinese state media and social media users criticized the striker heavily. A spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the government took the apology seriously. The apology came from Mbappe, Real Madrid, and La Liga within two days of the video going viral. La Liga distanced itself quickly from the player's remarks. This contrasts with the NBA, which lost its place on CCTV for more than a year after a similar incident in 2019.

The financial stakes are high for Spanish football. A source within La Liga told the AFP news agency that China and the United States finance the majority of international broadcasting rights. These rights were valued at 748 million euros for the 2024-25 season. Real Madrid also relies on the Chinese market for merchandise. According to Marca, the club generates 10 to 15 percent of its jersey and merchandise sales in China. The club lists Hisense, Kaiyun Sports, and Linglong Tire as prominent sponsors.

Experts suggest the apology is a start but not a solution. Yan Qiang, a veteran sports commentator, called the incident very damaging. He noted that in the age of mobile internet, emotions run high on social media. He said an apology is better than none, but it is not the end of the story. Adam Zhang, founder of Key-Solution Sports Consulting, said the speed of the remorse will influence the decision on how long the broadcast ban lasts.

Yan Qiang cast doubt on whether Mbappe can fully recover his reputation. The striker's face has appeared on drink bottles and advertising campaigns in China. He said that if his commercial influence cannot be sustained, La Liga and Real Madrid will be badly affected. He described the short-term outlook as not optimistic. He added that future actions and behavior will be key to repairing the relationship.