RismadarVoice Reporters
October 29, 2026
French football star Kylian Mbappé, Real Madrid and Spain’s La Liga are facing significant commercial and reputational challenges in China following controversial remarks by the striker about former Chinese leader Mao Zedong.
Although the player, his club and La Liga have issued public apologies, analysts warn that restoring their relationships with Chinese sponsors, broadcasters and supporters could take considerable time.
The controversy began after a video circulated online showing the 27-year-old France captain discussing an internet meme in which his face had been digitally superimposed on an image of Mao.
His remarks attracted criticism in China, where Mao remains officially revered as the founder of the People’s Republic of China.
The backlash prompted Chinese beverage company Dongpeng and dairy brands Mengniu and Milkground to terminate their commercial partnerships with Mbappé.
China Media Group, which oversees state broadcaster CCTV, also suspended broadcasts of La Liga matches, raising concerns about the financial consequences for Spanish football.
Mbappé subsequently apologised, describing his comments as inappropriate and expressing respect for Chinese people and their history.
Real Madrid and La Liga issued separate apologies, while Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun acknowledged the player’s statement.
However, sports industry analysts believe the apologies may not immediately reverse the commercial damage.
Veteran Chinese sports commentator Yan Qiang told AFP that the controversy had seriously affected the image of Real Madrid and La Liga in China.
He explained that public reactions to controversial statements can spread rapidly through social media, making reputational recovery particularly difficult.
The Chinese market represents an important source of broadcasting, sponsorship and merchandise revenue for European football.
According to figures cited by AFP, La Liga’s international broadcasting rights generated approximately €748 million during the 2024–2025 season.
China and the United States account for a substantial share of those international broadcasting revenues.
Real Madrid also reportedly generates between 10 and 15 per cent of its merchandise sales in China, making the country’s consumer market commercially significant.
The controversy has drawn comparisons with the National Basketball Association’s dispute with China in 2019, following comments supporting protests in Hong Kong by a Houston Rockets executive.
That dispute resulted in a lengthy suspension of NBA broadcasts on Chinese state television and substantial commercial losses.
Industry observers say the latest controversy demonstrates how politically sensitive remarks can affect international sports partnerships.
For Mbappé, Real Madrid and La Liga, the immediate challenge is rebuilding relationships with sponsors, broadcasters and supporters while addressing concerns raised by the incident.
Whether the apologies will lead to the restoration of suspended broadcasts and commercial partnerships remains uncertain.
