Mbappé in China hurts Madrid's revenue and LaLiga's broadcast
The statements of Kylian Mbappé about Mao Zedong have sparked a controversy that affects both Real Madrid and LaLiga, with economic repercussions in Madrid and the broadcast of Spanish football in China. According to journalists Bernat Armangue and Mario Calderón, the conflict has already reached the Chinese government.
In every contract that is signed, the club retains a percentage of the image rights of the player; with Mbappé, whose advertising earnings are around 30 million euros per year, that clause represents a significant line item for the club. In addition, China contributes approximately 15 % of all Real Madrid shirt sales, and the number 10 shirt of Mbappé is the best‑selling worldwide.
Mbappé himself stated: “I feel a deep respect for the Chinese people” and, after the reaction, sent an apology to the government, although the matter remains on hold and the wound in the Asian market persists.
Chinese companies cut the collaboration
Two major Chinese companies, the beverage manufacturer Dongpeng and the dairy producer Mengniu, announced the immediate termination of their agreements with the forward. Dongpeng accused Mbappé of having hurt national sentiments, while Mengniu recalled its zero‑tolerance policy towards statements that offend the Chinese people.
CCTV cuts LaLiga after Mbappé controversy over Mao meme
The trigger was a viral video of a podcast with Aurélien Tchouaméni, where Mbappé remarked that the funniest meme was a photo of Mao Zedong with his face, saying he used it a lot with his friends. That joke provoked the anger of the Chinese audience and the condemnation of several media outlets.
LaLiga loses the broadcast
In response, the state broadcaster CCTV, holder of the broadcast rights of Spanish football, decided to suspend the transmission of LaLiga and to remove the highlights and advertisements linked to the competition. The president of LaLiga, Javier Tebas, stated that they cannot allow the action of an individual to damage the relationship built with China over years.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, through spokesperson Guo Jiakun, reiterated that any statement that hurts the feelings of the people will be rejected, underscoring the seriousness of the incident for bilateral cooperation.
Javier Tebas apologises to China after Mbappé meme with Mao
Overall, the controversy shows how a personal comment can translate into financial losses for the Madrid club and into the interruption of LaLiga's television exposure, leaving a wound difficult to heal in the Asian market.