China's state television did not air the first La Liga matches since the controversy surrounding French football star Kylian Mbappe, according to reports on October 31, 2026. The blackout follows Mbappe's removal from endorsement deals with two major Chinese brands on October 27 after a video circulated online appearing to show him joking about former Chinese leader Mao Zedong.
Mbappe had been featured on packaging for Dongpeng Beverage Group's "Bushuila" electrolyte drink, displayed in Beijing convenience stores. The brands' decisions and the state TV's apparent response highlight the sensitivity of political references in the Chinese market.
