CCTV cuts LaLiga after Mbappé controversy over Mao meme

CCTV has suspended the broadcast of LaLiga and of matches linked to Real Madrid, Kylian Mbappé, after the controversy over his statements about a meme that compares him to Mao Zedong. The measure involves the removal of advertisements and videos featuring the footballer. The image of the event was published by Tolga Akmen / EFE.

Broadcast suspension

CCTV, the state broadcaster, announced that the suspension covers all LaLiga broadcasts, as well as any match in which Kylian Mbappé participates. The decision was made after the Ballon d'Or ceremony, where the Real Madrid forward made comments about the meme that compares him to Mao Zedong. According to the local outlet The Paper, the measure was confirmed by sources linked to the public radio‑television.

The Paper reported on Tuesday that the measure took effect on Monday night. In addition, the suspension includes the removal of advertisements and videos in which the player appears, affecting advertising slots during Spanish League matches. The channel explained that the action responds to the sensitivity generated by the meme.

Official reaction and Mbappé's comment

China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned that words and actions that hurt the feelings of the Chinese people will be rejected by all sectors of society. Spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated at a routine press conference that the controversy caused by Mbappé's statements had generated a firm response from the State.

Mbappé himself said that the meme that made him laugh the most is the one where they use his face over the figure of the Chinese dictator. He added that he shares it a lot with his friends and that he did not name any particular leader.

In recent months, the montage that superimposes the footballer's face onto Mao Zedong's portrait has gone viral on social media, especially on platforms such as Weibo. Fans use it to satirize the French forward, which fueled the controversy in China.

CCTV's suspension of LaLiga represents the first time a state broadcaster has removed coverage of a European league for political‑sensitivity reasons. Analysts note that the measure could affect the Spanish League's audience in China, a key market for its television rights.