HARGEISA, Somaliland (HornPost) French soccer star Kylian Mbappé has reportedly faced a backlash in China, prompting several sponsors to end their partnerships with him and a state broadcaster to stop airing his matches, according to the source report.
Mbappé subsequently issued an apology in three languages, while Spain’s La Liga moved to protect its commercial interests in China, the report said.
The controversy could pose a challenge for the league, where Mbappé has played since 2024, as it seeks to maintain its presence in one of the world’s major sports markets.
The source report said La Liga’s media rights agreement was widely reported to be worth more than $100 million annually, underscoring the potential commercial stakes involved.
However, the report did not specify what prompted the dispute, which sponsors ended their relationships with Mbappé or which matches were removed from the broadcaster’s schedule.
Further details and independent confirmation are needed to establish the cause of the controversy and the full extent of its impact on Mbappé’s commercial partnerships and La Liga’s broadcasting arrangements.
Editor’s note: Confirm the original report, the date of the incident, the reason for the apology and the reported sponsor decisions before publication.
Prepared by:
HornPost staff
