Kylian Mbappé, La Liga, Chinese state broadcaster CCTV and Chinese sponsors
27 October 2026
Chinese state broadcaster CCTV has reportedly suspended La Liga coverage following controversy over Kylian Mbappé’s remarks about a satirical image involving former Chinese leader Mao Zedong. Several Chinese companies have also announced the termination of sponsorship agreements with the Real Madrid striker.
Chinese media reported that CCTV removed Spanish league broadcasts and promotional content featuring Mbappé. Beverage and dairy companies including Dongpeng, Mengniu and Milkground ended commercial partnerships. Sports platform Dongqiudi reportedly replaced Mbappé’s name in its Ballon d’Or ranking with a phrase meaning that the person does not exist. La Liga apologised for the offence caused and said it was working with Chinese partners, while the supplied articles report that Mbappé also issued an apology.
Why It Matters
The dispute threatens Mbappé's sponsorship income and La Liga's commercial access to China.