Real Madrid

Barcelona bounce back with 6-1 win over Alaves

Soccer Football - LaLiga - FC Barcelona v Deportivo Alaves - Spotify Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain - October 31, 2026 FC Barcelona's Lamine Yamal celebrates scoring their fourth goal with Raphinha REUTERS/Albert Gea

Real Madrid defender Militao's house burgled during Clasico

Soccer Football - UEFA Champions League - Quarter Final - First Leg - Real Madrid v Bayern Munich - Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain - April 7, 2026 Real Madrid's Eder Militao reacts REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes/File Photo

China state TV doesn’t air first La Liga games since Kylian Mbappe furore

Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe apologised for his “ill-judged” comments about China’s former leader, Mao Zedong.

Real Madrid, Kylian Mbappe have moved on from China controversy, says Jose Mourinho

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho said both the club and Kylian Mbappe had responded appropriately by apologising, after Mbappe angered China with remarks about former leader Mao Zedong.

Harry Kane edged Kylian Mbappe out in tightest Ballon d’Or vote

Harry Kane (left) edged Kylian Mbappe by 28 points for the Ballon d’Or, France Football magazine has revealed.

Kylian Mbappe should be allowed to move on after apology: French federation chief

Kylian Mbappe is at the centre of a controversy after he referred to former Chinese leader Mao Zedong as a dictator.

Mbappe, Real Madrid and La Liga face long road to redemption in China

After Mbappe’s comments appearing to make fun of former leader Mao Zedong, major Chinese brands cut ties with the 27-year-old,.

Real Madrid, La Liga apology over Kylian Mbappe shows power of Chinese market

People in China’s Shanghai on Oct 27 walking past a bus advertisement featuring French football star Kylian Mbappe.

News analysis

Kylian Mbappe’s Mao Zedong remarks expose costs of crossing China’s red lines

Analysts say the episode is the latest reminder of a business risk that remains difficult to manage despite years of similar controversies.

Real apologise to Chinese people after Mbappe’s Mao ‘dictator’ comment

An image of French footballer Kylian Mbappe at a football field in Beijing on Oct 28.

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MDDI (P) 046/10/2025. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. No.202120748H. Copyright © 2026 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved.