China suspends LaLiga broadcasts featuring Kylian Mbappé after viral video
Broadcaster halted LaLiga matches and ads featuring Mbappé after a viral clip; Dongpeng and Mengniu terminated sponsorships.
China's state broadcaster has suspended transmissions of LaLiga matches and pulled advertisements that feature Kylian Mbappé after a short video of the French forward circulated on social media, local reports said.
The measures, reportedly ordered by the broadcaster, began from the night of October 26–27, 2026, and affect both live match coverage in which Mbappé appears and commercial spots that include the Real Madrid striker.
Commercial fallout and political sensitivity
The move follows a clip in which Mbappé apparently commented on an internet meme that showed his face superimposed on the body of former Chinese leader Mao Zedong. Mbappé is said to have described the meme as one of the funniest internet pictures he had seen and to have called it "some Chinese dictator." The authenticity of the video could not be immediately verified.
Chinese companies Dongpeng and Mengniu announced they were ending their partnerships with Mbappé, stating they would not tolerate behavior that offends the feelings of the Chinese people. The decisions illustrate how quickly commercial ties can unravel when actions are perceived as politically or culturally insensitive.
Mbappé later issued an apology, but reports noted that the gesture may not be sufficient to reverse the broadcast suspension or the corporate pullouts.
The episode is a serious commercial setback for Mbappé in a market where global brands invest heavily and football stars carry substantial sponsorship value.
Photo: press material from the event
