"Real” and "La Liga” Face Huge Losses

2026-10-29 23:25 © AFP

Following forward Kylian Mbappé’s remarks about China, Real Madrid faces significant financial losses.

Comments by the France forward about an internet meme depicting former Chinese leader Mao Zedong as a dictator sparked a wave of outrage in the Asian country.

As a result, several Chinese sponsors decided to terminate their contracts with the footballer.

Moreover, the Asian country’s state broadcaster CCTV suspended broadcasts of La Liga matches, posing a serious threat to Spanish football as a whole.

According to estimates circulating in Spanish football circles, television broadcasting rights in China are worth approximately €50 million annually.

Including sponsorship agreements, commercial partnerships, and other potential losses, total financial losses could reach as much as €100 million per season.

This situation could also be extremely unpleasant for the Madrid club.

Real Madrid has a strong commercial presence in China, where huge interest in the club’s merchandise and world-class stars has helped strengthen its international brand.

The Chinese market accounts for approximately 10–15 percent of all Real Madrid jersey and other merchandise sales.