Chinese State TV Snubs Real Madrid Match Despite Mbappé’s Apology

China’s state broadcaster, China Central Television (CCTV), has declined to air Real Madrid’s La Liga fixture against Racing Santander despite apologies from forward Kylian Mbappé, the Spanish club and the league following a controversy over remarks about former Chinese leader Mao Zedong.

The match, played on Sunday, ended in a 3–0 victory for Real Madrid, with Mbappé, Jude Bellingham and Yan Diomande scoring. However, the fixture was not shown on either of CCTV’s two sports channels.

The blackout followed a viral video in which Mbappé discussed an internet meme featuring his face superimposed on an image of Mao. The French forward described the figure in the meme as a Chinese dictator, prompting widespread criticism in China.

China Media Group (CMG), which oversees CCTV, announced the suspension of La Liga broadcasts after the remarks, saying apologies from the player, Real Madrid and the league were necessary before the dispute could be resolved.

Mbappé subsequently apologised, describing his comments as ill-judged and acknowledging that they had offended people in China and Chinese communities around the world.

La Liga also expressed regret over the incident, while Real Madrid issued an apology to the Chinese people, reaffirming its respect for the country's history, culture and citizens.

China’s Foreign Ministry said it took Mbappé’s apology seriously, while CMG later acknowledged the apologies. However, it has not announced when the broadcasts would resume.

The suspension extended beyond CCTV, as the Real Madrid match was also absent from Migu, a digital streaming platform owned by state-controlled telecommunications company China Mobile. Other La Liga fixtures had been available on the platform.

The controversy has also affected Mbappé’s commercial partnerships in China, with several major brands ending their relationships with the footballer following his remarks.

China remains a significant market for European football, with its broadcasters carrying competitions including the English Premier League and the top leagues in Germany, France and Italy.

The incident recalls China's 2019 suspension of National Basketball Association broadcasts following comments by then-Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey in support of protesters in Hong Kong.