China Keeps Real Madrid Off Air After Mbappé Joke

WHO:

Bloomberg Markets - Football star Kylian Mbappé and Real Madrid are involved.

BBC News - China Media Group acknowledged Mbappé’s apology.

WHAT:

Bloomberg Markets - Mbappé’s Real Madrid match was unavailable on television and digital streaming platforms in China.

Bloomberg Markets - Real Madrid games were dropped from broadcast platforms in China.

BBC News - China’s state broadcaster pulled La Liga matches following a joke by Mbappé.

BBC News - China Media Group has not said how long the blackout will last.

WHERE:

Bloomberg Markets - The match was unavailable on television and digital streaming platforms in China.

BBC News - China’s state broadcaster pulled the matches.

WHY:

Bloomberg Markets - The continued blackout followed backlash against Mbappé over a perceived insult to Mao Zedong.

BBC News - The broadcaster’s decision followed a joke by Mbappé; China Media Group acknowledged his apology.

(UPDATED November 2, 2026 07:04 UTC)

China’s state broadcaster pulled La Liga matches after Kylian Mbappé’s joke sparked backlash. The joke was perceived as insulting Mao Zedong, prompting criticism in China. China Media Group acknowledged Mbappé’s apology but has not said how long the blackout will last.