Chinese diplomatic authorities are in communication with Real Madrid and LaLiga to address the fallout over controversial remarks made by French forward Kylian Mbappe regarding modern China’s founding leader Mao Zedong.
China’s Ambassador to Spain, Yao Jing confirmed on Friday that while formal negotiations are not underway, active communication remains ongoing based on mutual understanding. "This unfortunate incident hurt the feelings of many people in China" Yao told Spanish news agency EFE.
The dispute arose after an online video surfaced showing Mbappe viewing a meme of his face superimposed on an image of Mao. Mbappe referred to the figure as "some guy, I think he's a Chinese dictator."
Following the incident Mbappe, Real Madrid and LaLiga issued public apologies. However the commercial backlash was swift. China’s state broadcaster CCTV suspended its LaLiga coverage, streaming platform Migu omitted Real Madrid matches and several Chinese brands dropped Mbappe from endorsement campaigns.
LaLiga President Javier Tebas met Ambassador Yao last week to limit further damage to Spanish football's interests in Asia. Tebas noted that LaLiga maintains broadcast agreements with CCTV and Migu through the 2029–30 season is currently valued at approximately €10 million ($11.2 million) annually.
China Media Group stated it would evaluate Mbappe’s future actions alongside his apology before determining next steps regarding broadcast coverage.
