A controversy in China over comments attributed to Kylian Mbappé about a satirical image has brought broadcasting and commercial fallout affecting La Liga. GOAL reported, citing Radio Marca journalist Ramon Alvarez, that Real Madrid may issue a statement within a short time as the situation develops.
Possible Real Madrid statement
GOAL reported that Ramón Álvarez, a journalist at Radio Marca, wrote on X: "It is very likely that Real Madrid will issue a statement within a short time regarding the Mbappé and China crisis."
Álvarez did not confirm that Real Madrid had settled on issuing a statement.
Broadcasting and commercial fallout in China
According to GOAL, citing Spain's official news agency EFE, Chinese state broadcaster CCTV has pulled La Liga matches from the air, along with any fixtures involving Mbappé, while scrubbing advertisements and video clips featuring him.
Three Chinese companies had already ended their commercial partnerships with Mbappé. GOAL said each of the three companies justified its decision by rejecting statements or conduct they deemed offensive to Chinese national sentiment.
Change on Dongqiudi ranking
Chinese sports platform Dongqiudi replaced Mbappé's name in the 2026 Ballon d'Or ranking with a phrase meaning "this person does not exist".
In that ranking, Mbappé finished second behind Harry Kane, with Lamine Yamal third.
How the controversy began
According to GOAL, citing EFE, the controversy began when Mbappé was asked about his favourite satirical image and replied that the one making him laugh the most showed his face superimposed on an image of a Chinese dictator, adding that he uses it a lot with his friends.
According to GOAL, citing EFE, Mbappé did not name Mao Zedong directly in the reported comment.
La Liga president Javier Tebas apologised to the Chinese people on behalf of the league, voiced his regret for the resentment the incident had stirred, and GOAL said he insisted the league is working with its partners and the relevant parties in China.