Real Madrid are expected to respond to the growing controversy involving Kylian Mbappe in China, with Spanish football’s commercial and broadcasting links to the country now facing increasing pressure.
Radio Marca journalist Ramon Alvarez said the club could issue an official statement shortly.
“Real Madrid will very likely issue a statement shortly regarding the Mbappe-China crisis,” Alvarez wrote on X.
He did not reveal what the statement might contain and stressed that Real Madrid had not confirmed a final decision to publish one.
The latest developments follow a report by Spain’s official news agency that China Central Television (CCTV) had stopped broadcasting La Liga matches, as well as games involving Mbappe. Advertising and video content featuring the French forward have also reportedly been removed.
The move could damage the Spanish league’s media and commercial relationship with the Chinese market. The repercussions have extended beyond social media criticism to sponsorship agreements, advertising campaigns and broadcasting rights.
Three Chinese companies had already ended their commercial partnerships with Mbappe. The companies said they objected to comments or conduct they regarded as offensive to Chinese national sentiment.
The dispute centres on remarks attributed to Mbappe about a satirical image combining his facial features with those of former Chinese leader Mao Zedong. According to Spanish news agency EFE, Mbappe was asked which satirical image he found funniest and replied that it was one showing his face superimposed on that of a Chinese dictator.
He reportedly added that he often used the image with his friends. Although he did not name Mao Zedong directly in the reported comments, the controversy became linked to a widely circulated image depicting the former leader with Mbappe’s features, prompting criticism in China.
Tebas apologises to China
Javier Tebas, president of La Liga, apologised to the Chinese people on behalf of the organisation in an attempt to contain the fallout.
Tebas expressed regret over the offence caused and said La Liga was working with its partners and relevant authorities in China to resolve the situation.
He also argued that an individual incident should not be allowed to damage relationships built between La Liga and China over many years, or affect more than 20 clubs competing in the professional competitions alongside millions of Chinese supporters.
Attention is now focused on whether Real Madrid will clarify its position. The consequences of the dispute have moved beyond Mbappe himself, affecting wider commercial and media interests connected to Spanish football.
The forthcoming schedule lists Barcelona in La Liga on 31 October 2026, with Deportivo Alaves facing Racing Santander on the same date. Real Madrid are listed in La Liga on 1 November 2026.
