Real Madrid could issue statement over Mbappe’s China controversy

Real Madrid are expected to release a statement concerning the controversy surrounding Kylian Mbappe in China, according to journalist Ramon Alvarez of Radio Marca.

Alvarez wrote on X: “It is very likely that Real Madrid will issue a statement shortly regarding the Mbappe and China crisis.”

He did not provide details of what the statement might contain and stressed that the club had not confirmed a final decision to publish one.

The dispute has escalated after Spain’s official news agency reported that China Central Television (CCTV) had suspended broadcasts of La Liga matches, as well as games involving Mbappe. Advertisements and videos featuring the Real Madrid forward have also reportedly been removed.

The developments threaten to affect the commercial and media relationship between La Liga and the Chinese market. The issue has moved beyond criticism on social media, with sponsorship, advertising and broadcasting rights now also involved.

Three Chinese companies had already ended their commercial partnerships with Mbappe. They said their decisions reflected opposition to comments or behaviour considered offensive to Chinese national sentiment.

The controversy centres on remarks attributed to Mbappe about a satirical image combining his facial features with those of former Chinese leader Mao Zedong. Although Mbappe did not directly name Mao Zedong in the reported comments, the debate became linked to an image circulating online that used his likeness alongside that of the former leader.

The Chinese sports platform Dongqiudi also removed Mbappe’s name from its 2026 Ballon d’Or ranking. In its place, it used a phrase meaning “this person does not exist”. Mbappe was listed second behind England’s Harry Kane, while Spain’s Lamine Yamal was third.

According to Spain’s EFE news agency, the controversy began when Mbappe was asked which satirical image he found funniest. He reportedly replied that the image that made him laugh most showed his face superimposed on that of a Chinese dictator, adding that he often used it with his friends.

Tebas apology

Javier Tebas, president of La Liga, has apologised to the Chinese people on behalf of the organisation in an attempt to limit the fallout.

Tebas expressed regret over the offence caused and said La Liga was working with its partners and relevant authorities in China to resolve the situation.

He said an individual incident should not be allowed to damage the relationship La Liga had built with China over many years, or affect more than 20 clubs competing in professional competitions and millions of Chinese supporters.

Attention is now focused on whether Real Madrid will respond publicly as the consequences continue to extend beyond Mbappe to the wider commercial and media interests connected with Spanish football.

The accompanying fixture listings include Barcelona in La Liga on 31 October 2026, while Deportivo Alaves, Racing Santander and Real Madrid are listed for 1 November 2026.