China refuses to air Real Madrid match after Kylian Mbappe’s joke about Mao

China has refused to broadcast a Real Madrid match following controversy over Kylian Mbappe's joke about Mao Zedong. Mbappe apologised last week for what were described as 'ill-judged' remarks, but the backlash has continued, with Chinese sponsors also reacting negatively to the comments. The incident, reported on November 2, 2026, highlights the significant commercial consequences the star's remarks have had in the Chinese market.