# China Blocks Real Madrid Broadcast Following Mbappé Comments State broadcaster CCTV cancels La Liga match coverage after controversial remarks about Mao Zedong. - **Source:** [France 24 – Asia Pacific](https://www.france24.com/en/asia-pacific) - **Published:** 2026-11-02 - **Topic:** [sports](https://brifing.si/c/sports) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/9041087c-6f28-4d45-a9c1-904a89facc9c ## CCTV Cancels La Liga Match Chinese state broadcaster CCTV abruptly halted the scheduled broadcast of a Real Madrid La Liga match this past Sunday. The decision followed public outrage triggered by comments made by star forward Kylian Mbappé. The network chose to remove the fixture from its programming schedule entirely, effectively barring domestic viewers from watching the game. ## Controversial Remarks on Mao The diplomatic friction stems from specific remarks Kylian Mbappé made regarding Mao Zedong, the former leader of the People's Republic of China. While the exact phrasing of the comments was not detailed in reports, the content was deemed sufficiently inflammatory to warrant a state-level response from the Chinese broadcasting authority, CCTV. ## State Media Control Mechanisms CCTV operates under strict guidelines that align media content with national political sensitivities. By pulling the Real Madrid match, the broadcaster demonstrated its power to enforce ideological compliance through sports media. This mechanism serves as a clear warning to international athletes and organizations regarding the potential consequences of discussing sensitive Chinese historical figures. ## Impact on Global Sports This incident highlights the precarious relationship between global sports icons and the Chinese market. Real Madrid, a club with a massive international following, now faces the challenge of managing the fallout from a star player's personal opinions. Such actions often lead to long-term commercial complications for clubs seeking to maintain their presence in China. ## Historical Precedents in Censorship China has a documented history of using broadcasting bans to penalize entities that offend national sentiment. Previous instances have involved various industries, including basketball and entertainment, where organizations were forced to apologize to avoid permanent exclusion. The current situation with Mbappé mirrors these past patterns of state-led retaliation against perceived public insults. ## Mbappé's Professional Standing As one of the most recognizable figures in world football, Kylian Mbappé holds significant cultural influence. His comments have transcended the sporting arena, drawing sharp criticism from Chinese authorities who view his remarks as a direct affront to national history. The player has not yet issued a public clarification regarding the specific nature of his statements. ## Real Madrid's Institutional Response The club has yet to release an official statement regarding the cancellation of the broadcast in China. Real Madrid must now navigate the delicate balance between supporting their player and protecting their extensive commercial interests in the Asian market. The silence from the club suggests a cautious approach to a complex diplomatic situation. ## Future Broadcasting Implications The exclusion of this match signals a potential shift in how La Liga content will be treated in China moving forward. If the tension remains unresolved, further matches involving Real Madrid could face similar scrutiny or outright bans. Observers are now watching to see if the club will take disciplinary or corrective measures. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.france24.com/en/video/20261102-football-china-refuses-to-air-real-madrid-game-after-mbapp%C3%A9-comment — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._