How Mbappé’s ‘dictator’ remark on Mao led to China suspending La Liga broadcasts

Chinese state media suspended La Liga broadcasts after Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé referred to founding leader Mao Zedong as a dictator in a viral video. Mbappé issued a public apology acknowledging his ill-judged comments and stating he never intended to cause offense, after the China Football Association and China Media Group demanded formal apologies from both the player and his club.

The fallout also cost Mbappé several major commercial endorsements, with Chinese brands Dongpeng, Mengniu, and Milkground terminating their partnerships. La Liga distanced itself from the player's remarks, while league president Javier Tebas met with China's ambassador to Spain, Yao Jing, to help resolve the issue and protect the league's strategic ties.