Chinese state TV continues Real Madrid blackout after Mbappe-Mao meme row

What the report says

Chinese state broadcaster CCTV did not air Real Madrid’s Spanish league match against Racing Santander on Sunday, extending a blackout linked to Kylian Mbappe’s recent comments about Mao Zedong, Al Jazeera reported. The game, which Real Madrid won 3-0, was not shown on either of CCTV’s sports channels even after Mbappe, Real Madrid and La Liga had issued apologies.

According to the report, the dispute began after a video from April resurfaced online showing Mbappe describing a meme of himself as resembling a “Chinese dictator,” an apparent reference to Mao. The remark triggered backlash in China, where Mao remains a politically sensitive figure, and the Chinese body overseeing CCTV said it would suspend La Liga coverage.

Al Jazeera said CCTV’s sports website later noted that the broadcaster had acknowledged the apologies, but it was still unclear whether the two sides had begun formal discussions to restore coverage. The article also said China remains an important market for European football, with CCTV historically carrying matches from several major leagues, and that some Chinese brands ended sponsorship deals with Mbappe after the controversy.

The episode highlights how political sensitivities in China can affect international sports broadcasting and commercial relationships. Al Jazeera noted that similar disputes have previously led to strained ties between Chinese platforms and overseas leagues or athletes.