Beijing Welcomes Mbappe’s Apology, But Broadcaster Maintains La Liga Blackout

BEIJING, Oct 28 – China has acknowledged and appreciated an apology delivered by Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe following offensive remarks made toward the Chinese people, though state media suspensions and commercial boycotts against the French superstar remain active.

Speaking during a daily press briefing in Beijing on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun stated that the government “highly appreciates the apology” made by the footballer.

Mbappe issued a public statement on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, apologizing to Chinese citizens for ill-judged comments made during an interview discussing viral internet memes featuring his image.

However, spokesman Guo declined to confirm whether Mbappe’s personal apology would soften public backlash or lift ongoing boycotts by Chinese commercial entities and state broadcasters.

Concurrently, state-owned China Media Group (CMG) confirmed the ongoing suspension of Spanish La Liga broadcast coverage and commercials featuring Mbappe. CMG argued that earlier statements issued by Real Madrid were insufficient, emphasizing that media restrictions will persist until the Spanish club delivers a satisfactory official apology.

The controversy erupted after an interview in which Mbappe made jokes referencing a historical Chinese political figure. Major Chinese sports media portal Dongqiudi refused to translate the remarks, triggering intense online outrage and leading corporate sponsors Eastroc Beverage and Mengniu Dairy to cancel endorsement contracts.

Diplomatic Response, Media Blackout, and Commercial Fallout

Key developments surrounding the controversy, diplomatic statements, and corporate actions include:

• Foreign Ministry Position: Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun formally welcomed Mbappe’s apology but refrained from commenting on whether commercial and broadcast boycotts would be lifted.
• China Media Group Broadcast Ban: State broadcaster CMG maintained its blackout on Spanish La Liga match transmissions and Mbappe advertisements, demanding a more comprehensive corporate apology from Real Madrid.
• Corporate Endorsement Terminations: Leading Chinese food and beverage conglomerates, including Eastroc Beverage and Mengniu Dairy, severed endorsement contracts with the French striker following public backlash.
• Controversy Background: The uproar originated from an interview where Mbappe made remarks about Chinese internet memes referencing a historical political figure, leading football platform Dongqiudi to censor the content.

–NMT