China refuses to air Real Madrid match after Kylian Mbappe’s joke about Mao
Real Madrid star apologised last week over his ‘ill-judged’ remarks, which have triggered a backlash among sponsors in China
Covered by 4 sources from 2 countries. First reported by BBC News ·
Headlines compared
Common ground: most headlines mention “Beijing Mbappé’s face still spruiks drinks” and “broadcast blackout”.
Different angles:
- BBC News “Best thing is keep your mouth”
- The Independent “China refuses to air Real Madrid”
One of the 4 headlines quotes someone directly.
How 4 newspapers cover this story
'Best thing is keep your mouth shut' - Mourinho on Mbappe-Mao row
Real Madrid head coach Jose Mourinho says the "best thing is to keep your mouth shut" but backs Kylian Mbappe following reaction to his Mao Zedong remark.
China refuses to air Real Madrid match after Kylian Mbappe’s joke about Mao
Real Madrid star apologised last week over his ‘ill-judged’ remarks, which have triggered a backlash among sponsors in China
In Beijing, Mbappé’s face still spruiks drinks amid broadcast blackout
The Real Madrid star has been effectively cancelled in China over his remarks about Mao Zedong. But Mbappé-promoted sports drinks were still being sold this week by Chinese vendors oblivious to the scandal.
In Beijing, Mbappé’s face still spruiks drinks amid broadcast blackout
The Real Madrid star has been effectively cancelled in China over his remarks about Mao Zedong. But Mbappé-promoted sports drinks were still being sold this week by Chinese vendors oblivious to the scandal.
Coverage details
4 outlets from 2 countries are covering this story: BBC News, The Independent, The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age. BBC News published it first, on October 31, 2026; the last outlet to join was The Age, 3 days later.
Key names in the coverage: Real Madrid, Kylian Mbappe, Mao Zedong, China and Beijing.
By country: United Kingdom (2), Australia (2).
