China Halts Real Madrid Broadcast After Mbappe Row

Chinese state broadcaster CCTV pulled Real Madrid’s La Liga match against Racing Santander from its broadcast schedule on Sunday following controversial remarks by star forward Kylian Mbappe regarding former leader Mao Zedong.

The decision affected both of CCTV’s main sports channels and digital platforms like Migu, which had previously aired other La Liga fixtures live.

The blackout stems from a viral video in which Mbappe referred to Mao as a “dictator” while discussing an internet meme featuring his face superimposed on Mao’s image.

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China Media Group (CMG), which oversees CCTV, suspended broadcasts of the Spanish top flight and demanded formal apologies.

Although Mbappe, Real Madrid, and La Liga issued statements expressing regret—which China’s foreign ministry acknowledged—the state network kept the blackout in place.

China halts Real Madrid broadcast after Mbappe row (News Central TV) — China halts Real Madrid broadcast after Mbappe’s row.  Credit: Reuters

The fallout extended beyond television coverage as major Chinese brands cancelled lucrative sponsorship deals with the French forward.

The incident echoes past commercial boycotts by Chinese state media against foreign sports leagues over politically sensitive topics, including a multi-year blackout of the NBA following comments supporting Hong Kong protesters in 2019.

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Abisoye Adeyiga

Abisoye Adedoyin Adeyiga holds a PhD in Languages and Media Studies and a Master’s in Education (English Language). Trained in digital marketing and investigative journalism, she is passionate about new media’s transformative power. She enjoys reading, traveling, and meaningful conversations.