Mbappé Remarks Spark La Liga Blackout and Scrutiny

According to Human Rights Watch, French footballer Kylian Mbappé faced swift backlash from Beijing over an unearthed joking interview remark. China's Foreign Ministry claimed offense, state broadcaster CCTV blacked out La Liga matches, and La Liga's president apologized, highlighting tightening CCP control over speech concerning historical figures.

Prepared from public sources with AI assistance. This is not independent verification of every reported claim.

Interview Resfacing and Official Backlash

Human Rights Watch reported that a Chinese sports forum unearthed an April 2026 interview where Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappé jokingly likened himself to a Chinese dictator. While Mbappé did not name individuals, the broadcaster added art depicting him as Chinese Communist Party founder Mao Zedong.

According to the report, Beijing's reaction was swift. China's Foreign Ministry claimed the remarks hurt the feelings of the Chinese people, and state broadcaster CCTV subsequently blacked out all Spanish football league La Liga matches.

La Liga Apology and Historical Context

Human Rights Watch stated that under Xi Jinping, the Chinese Communist Party has low tolerance for anything interpreted as an affront, even jokes about Mao. La Liga president Javier Tebas issued an apology praising the league's ties with Chinese government departments.

The report noted that Mao launched disasters like the Great Leap Forward and Cultural Revolution. Journalist Yang Jisheng estimated at least 36 million deaths during the 1958-1961 famine, and Human Rights Watch stated that such questions are no longer tolerated under Xi's grip.

Legal Measures and Rights Impact

Human Rights Watch stated that a 2021 Chinese law punishes slandering heroes and martyrs with up to three years in prison, citing recent penalties against comedians and artist Gao Zhen for provocative Mao sculptures.

The organization reported that while Mbappé swiftly apologized and faces potential sponsor losses, China's people pay the greatest price. Beijing's reaction demonstrates the Chinese Communist Party's strict control over thought and speech.

Other reports on this event

Each report keeps its own date, wording and attribution. Differences are not presented as independently verified facts.

DW 中文 · 2026-10-28Chang Ping Commentary: Mbappé Remarks and Mao

According to DW Chinese, commentator Chang Ping noted Mbappé faced contract terminations and a broadcaster ban after allegedly calling Mao Zedong a dictator. Chang stated Mao historically accepted the term, while outsider remarks were claimed to hurt public feelings, arguing such farces only occur in nations led by dictators.

DW 中文 ↗

BBC News · 2026-11-02China State Broadcaster Pulls La Liga Matches Following Mbappé Joke

According to BBC News, China Media Group suspended La Liga broadcasts after Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé made a remark about a meme involving Mao Zedong. While Mbappé, Real Madrid, and La Liga apologized, and CMG acknowledged the apologies, the broadcaster has not stated how long the blackout will last.

Broadcast Suspension and Incident Sequence

According to BBC News, China's state broadcaster CCTV did not air a Real Madrid match against Racing Santander on Sunday. The suspension followed widespread backlash after Real Madrid star striker Kylian Mbappé remarked on a French talk show that a meme superimposing his face on a Chinese dictator resembling Mao Zedong was the one that made him laugh the most.

The source reported that the comment drew immense criticism and led to Mbappé being dropped by several Chinese brands. China Media Group, the parent organization of CCTV, announced last Tuesday that it would suspend broadcasts of Spanish football La Liga matches as a result of the furore.

Reported Context and Apologies

According to BBC News, Mbappé apologized late Tuesday, stating his comment was ill-judged and acknowledging that it hurt many people in China and Chinese communities globally. China's foreign ministry stated it took the apology seriously, while Real Madrid and La Liga also issued apologies.

The source noted that China Media Group had earlier demanded apologies from the three parties as an absolute prerequisite to move past the incident. Although CMG acknowledged the apologies, it has not commented on the duration of the broadcast blackout.

Historical Precedent and Evidence Limits

According to BBC News, Mao is revered by the Communist Party in China despite having overseen the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution, which led to a famine killing tens of millions and violent societal purges. The article highlighted that this is not Beijing's first sports broadcast suspension over political sensitivities.

The report recalled a year-long suspension of NBA games starting in October 2019 after Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey tweeted in support of Hong Kong protesters. Beyond these sourced statements, historical parallels, and public apologies, further long-term consequences and unverified details remain omitted.

BBC News ↗