China rejects Real Madrid's apology and sends clear message to club

China's state broadcaster rejected Real Madrid's apology over Mbappé's comments about a Chinese leader, demanding a formal public apology and maintaining its suspension of La Liga broadcasts.

China's state media confirmed it suspended La Liga broadcasts on October 26 after Kylian Mbappé joked that his favourite meme featured his face superimposed on a "Chinese dictator" during an interview. The China Media Group (CMG) rejected Real Madrid's explanation that Mbappé "never intended to offend" and had the right to express personal opinions, stating his words "transcended freedom of expression" and "offended the Chinese people."

The broadcaster demanded public apologies from La Liga, Real Madrid and especially Mbappé, plus a written apology letter. Mbappé subsequently issued a statement in French, Chinese and English expressing regret and "deep respect" for the Chinese people and history. La Liga president Javier Tebas condemned the player's behaviour as "unacceptable" and apologised to CMG, while also meeting with China's ambassador to Spain to seek a resolution.

CMG's latest statement made clear that without satisfactory apologies, "there is nothing to discuss," warning that "any word or action that hurts the feelings of the Chinese people will inevitably face collective rejection from all sectors of Chinese society." The controversy has already cost Mbappé sponsorship deals with Chinese companies Dongpeng, Mengniu and Milkground, with his content restricted on Chinese digital platforms.