La Liga distances itself from Manchester City legal case
- Javier Tebas confirmed the Spanish investigation is independent of the Manchester City case.
- La Liga earns $160 million annually from Chinese broadcasting rights.
- Kylian Mbappé lost multiple Chinese sponsorships following a controversial social media post.
- Real Madrid and La Liga officials issued apologies to Chinese fans to mitigate fallout.
- Chinese state broadcaster CCTV is removing content featuring Kylian Mbappé.
3, 2026, that Spanish football investigations remain independent from the ongoing legal battle between Manchester City and the Premier League.
Tebas stated the verdict reached in England will not affect legal proceedings within Spain. The Spanish judicial system continues its own inquiries regardless of high-profile cases unfolding elsewhere in Europe.
La Liga relies on $160 million in annual Chinese broadcasting revenue
La Liga receives $160 million annually from broadcasting rights in China.
The league currently trails the English Premier League regarding total international broadcasting revenue and overall popularity.
Kylian Mbappé loses Chinese sponsors following social media controversy
Kylian Mbappé, 27, has seen several Chinese sponsors drop him following a recent social media controversy. Sponsors Mengniu, Milkground, and Dongpeng Beverage have dropped the player.
Each of the three Chinese partnership contracts held an estimated annual value between $3 million and $6 million.
The player left Nike in September 2026 to join the Swiss-based company ON. The news comes after the player finished as the runner-up to England captain Harry Kane for the Ballon d'Or on November 2, 2026.
Real Madrid and La Liga issue apologies to Chinese fans
Real Madrid issued an apology regarding the incident.
La Liga president Javier Tebas also apologized to Chinese fans. Tebas stated he has "deep respect for China, its institutions and its people".
The player issued an apology for his comment, calling it "ill-judged". He stated that he did not intend to hurt people in China or Chinese communities.
Mbappé merchandise removed from Chinese retail market
Kylian Mbappé's Real Madrid shirt is no longer available in sports stores across China. China accounts for approximately 10% to 15% of Real Madrid's merchandise sales.
Historical precedent of clubs distancing from player political views
In December 2019, German international Mesut Özil posted on social media regarding the treatment of the Uyghur population in China's Xinjiang region. Following that post, Arsenal issued a statement to distance the club from his views.
The club asserted that the content published was Özil’s personal opinion. Arsenal stated that the club adheres to a principle of not involving itself in politics.
Mbappé’s history of 'dictator' nicknames and public image
Kylian Mbappé is frequently referred to as a "dictator" due to the influence he was perceived to exert over transfers and coaching appointments at Paris Saint-Germain. French national team players reportedly call Mbappé "Mobut," a nickname referencing former Congolese leader Mobutu Sese Seko.
During the World Cup, former French national team coach Didier Deschamps defended Mbappé. Deschamps stated, "You guys make Kylian Mbappé seem like a dictator. … The reality is the opposite". He noted the player is mature and followed by his teammates.
During a French talk show, Mbappé identified a meme of his face photoshopped onto the body of Mao Zedong as his favorite. He referred to the former Chinese leader as a "dictator".
The People’s Daily published an online commentary describing the controversy as a matter of "basic decency". The outlet warned that celebrities who show contempt for local history and culture risk damaging their brands.
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