Chinese TV Station Cancels La Liga Broadcasts and Removes Kylian Mbappe Content Following Controversial Interview

Key summary

China Central Television (CCTV) has indefinitely suspended live broadcasts of Spanish La Liga football matches and removed all content related to Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe. The decision follows an interview in which the French striker described a meme combining his face with that of Mao Zedong, former leader of China, as funny and referred to the historical figure using the term 'Chinese dictator.' This statement sparked severe public backlash in China, where Mao Zedong is highly revered. A spokesperson for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that any behavior harming Chinese citizens' feelings would be met with ultimate opposition from all sectors. Consequently, major Chinese media partners under China Media Group (CMG) halted the broadcasts. Additionally, leading Chinese brands Mengniu dairy and Dongpeng energy drinks terminated their endorsement contracts with Mbappe and removed his advertisements immediately. In response, La Liga president Javier Tebas and Mbappe's representatives issued official apologies to the Chinese public to de-escalate tensions and prevent further damage to licensing and market value in the Asia-Pacific region.