29.10.2026 14:39
Real Madrid's French star Kylian Mbappe's use of the phrase 'Chinese dictator' about Mao Zedong, the founding leader of the People's Republic of China, caused a major crisis. While giant Chinese companies terminated their sponsorship agreements with Mbappe, Chinese state television CCTV also suspended broadcasts of Spanish La Liga matches. The decision also removed the matches of our national footballer Arda Güler, who wears the Real Madrid jersey, from screens in China.
Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe answered a question about humorous images made about him in an interview on the program "The Bridge".
The French footballer used the phrase "Chinese dictator" while referring to a post in which his face was placed onto an image of Mao Zedong, the founding leader of the People's Republic of China.
Mbappe's words drew a strong backlash in China. The French star's statement quickly turned into a crisis affecting sponsorship agreements and Spanish football broadcasts.
CHINESE GIANT COMPANIES TERMINATED THE AGREEMENTS
Following Mbappe's remarks, Chinese companies took action. Beverage manufacturer Dongpeng and dairy companies Mengniu and Milkground announced that they had ended their commercial collaborations with the French star. The companies stated that they opposed statements that offend the national sensitivities of the Chinese people and announced that they had cut ties with Mbappe.
LA LIGA BROADCASTS SUSPENDED
The effects of the crisis were not limited to sponsorship agreements. China Media Group, to which Chinese state television CCTV is affiliated, suspended broadcasts of Spanish La Liga matches.
It was also decided to remove advertisements featuring Mbappe from broadcast. No exact date was announced for when the broadcasts would resume.
ARDA GÜLER ALSO AFFECTED BY THE DECISION
China's decision also indirectly affected national footballer Arda Güler, who plays for Real Madrid. With La Liga broadcasts halted in the country of approximately 1.5 billion people, football fans who follow Real Madrid matches on Chinese state television will not be able to watch matches in which Arda Güler is also on the field on this channel.
MBAPPE AND LA LIGA APOLOGIZED
After what happened, Kylian Mbappe apologized to the Chinese people. Acknowledging that his statement could be misinterpreted, the French star stated that he respects the Chinese people and their history.
La Liga President Javier Tebas also apologized to Chinese football fans and announced that new efforts would be made to raise awareness among players and clubs about cultural sensitivities.