La Liga Daily Report - 2026-10-27: Mbappé apologises after China backlash over Mao remark

Kylian Mbappé apologised on Tuesday after comments apparently referring to Mao Zedong triggered backlash in China. The Real Madrid forward had discussed an internet meme showing his face superimposed on an image resembling Mao, whom he appeared to describe as a Chinese dictator. In a statement issued in French, Chinese and English, Mbappé called the comment “ill-judged” and said he understood that it had hurt people in China and Chinese communities around the world. Chinese companies Dongpeng, Mengniu and Milkground subsequently ended their commercial agreements with the France captain, according to reports.

The fallout extended beyond Mbappé’s personal sponsorships. Chinese state broadcaster CCTV reportedly suspended coverage of LaLiga, including matches involving the Real Madrid striker, while advertisements featuring him were also withdrawn. LaLiga president Javier Tebas apologised to Chinese fans, and the league said the remarks were made in Mbappé’s personal capacity and did not represent LaLiga. The episode has therefore become a commercial and reputational issue for Spanish football in an important international market, with Mbappé’s apology aimed at containing consequences that have already affected both his brand partnerships and the league’s visibility in China.

Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal won the Young Talent of the Year award at Monday’s 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony, completing a third consecutive triumph. The 19-year-old became the first player to win the Kopa Trophy three times, having previously collected the honour in 2024 and 2025. Yamal finished third in the overall Ballon d’Or voting behind Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane and Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé. His latest award recognised another prominent season with Barcelona and Spain, further extending a run of individual honours that began before he reached his 20th birthday.

Yamal’s victory also carried a Barcelona connection beyond the winner himself. He said teammate Pau Cubarsí deserved the award, while the defender was among the players considered for the prize. Other reports credited Yamal with a major contribution to Barcelona’s 2025-26 campaign, including 24 goals and 18 assists in 45 matches, as well as a leading role for Spain. The hat-trick establishes a new benchmark for the Kopa Trophy and underlines Yamal’s standing among the leading young players in LaLiga and international football.