Real Madrid Matches Missing from Chinese TV as Kylian Mbappé Mao Zedong Controversy Deepens

Real Madrid’s relationship with the Chinese market has come under fresh scrutiny after state broadcaster CCTV reportedly continued to leave the Spanish giants’ matches off its television schedule.

The latest development follows a controversy involving Kylian Mbappé, whose reaction to a meme featuring former Chinese leader Mao Zedong sparked widespread criticism in China.

Despite apologies from the player, Real Madrid and La Liga, the situation appears far from resolved, with the club’s recent matches still reportedly unavailable on China’s main state-run sports channels.

Mbappé controversy sparks Chinese TV blackout

The latest incident centres on CCTV’s decision not to broadcast Real Madrid’s reported 3-0 victory over Racing Santander.

Mbappé scored in the match, but viewers in China were unable to follow the action through the country’s two main state-run sports channels.

The broadcast decision comes amid the fallout from a video recorded in April that recently resurfaced. In the clip, Mbappé was seen laughing at a meme that placed his face over an image of Mao Zedong.

During the exchange, the French forward reportedly described the person in the image as “some guy” and suggested he was a Chinese dictator.

The comments triggered a backlash, with critics questioning the player’s understanding of the historical and political significance of Mao Zedong in China.

While streaming platforms such as Migu have continued showing some Spanish football matches, Real Madrid’s absence from the television schedule has raised questions about whether the backlash is specifically affecting the club.

Apologies have not ended the controversy

Following the public reaction, Mbappé reportedly issued an apology, describing his comments as ill-judged.

Real Madrid and La Liga also released statements expressing regret over the incident in an effort to ease tensions with Chinese audiences.

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reportedly acknowledged the expressions of regret and said it took Mbappé’s contrition seriously.

However, the apologies have not yet translated into a return to normal television coverage for Real Madrid.

The China Media Group had previously indicated that apologies from the player, his club and La Liga were necessary steps towards resolving the situation.

Although all three parties reportedly responded, CCTV’s continued omission of Real Madrid fixtures suggests that repairing the relationship may take more than public statements.

What the blackout could mean for Real Madrid

China remains an important international market for major European football clubs, particularly in areas such as broadcasting, sponsorship, merchandise and commercial partnerships.

For a global brand like Real Madrid, prolonged restrictions on television exposure could affect its ability to connect with supporters and commercial partners in the country.

The situation also highlights how the actions of individual players can create challenges that extend beyond the pitch, particularly when they involve cultural and political sensitivities.

For now, the key question is whether Real Madrid will return to Chinese state television schedules or whether the controversy will continue to affect the club’s visibility in one of the world’s largest sports markets.