Mbappe has grown used to seeing his face and name brought up in thousands of memes on social media. Jokingly, Real Madrid‘s No. 10 is often referred to as “The Dictator,” with his face photoshopped onto some of the most infamous figures in world history.

However, Mbappe wasn’t careful enough when addressing the topic, and his comments, which were meant as a joke, rubbed Chinese fans the wrong way. This has led to a harsh backlash, with Mbappe, Real Madrid, and LaLiga as a whole now facing the consequences.

“My favorite Mbappe meme? The one where they put my face on a Chinese dictator,” Mbappe reportedly said, referring to former Chinese leader Mao Zedong, during an interview with The Bridge. “It really makes me laugh, I use it with my friends all the time.”

Mbappe apologizes for his comment

Mbappe is never one to mince words and is an active political voice on several issues related to world politics. Thus, it’s hard to imagine he isn’t familiar with Mao Zedong, meaning that calling the former Chinese Communist Party leader a dictator wasn’t a mistake. Perhaps it was a slip of the tongue, but an extremely costly one nevertheless. Shortly after the strong reaction in China, Mbappe released a statement of his own.

“During a recent interview, I reacted to an image of myself. My comment was ill-judged, and I now understand that it hurt many people in China and in Chinese communities around the world. I apologise to everyone my words have upset,” Mbappe’s statement read, per @MadridXtra on X. “This was absolutely not my intention. I have deep respect for the Chinese people and their history. I am sincerely sorry.”

China suspends LaLiga broadcasts

As a result of Mbappe’s viral comment about Mao Zedong, China‘s state-owned television broadcaster decided to suspend the broadcasting of LaLiga games until further notice.

Establishing a presence in the Chinese market was a strategic goal LaLiga had achieved through years of work, and that house of cards has come crashing down in seconds after Mbappe made a comment many believed was harmless but that stirred up controversy in China. Now, LaLiga is paying the full price.

For added context, some years ago, LaLiga scheduled El Clasico for an early noon kickoff to attract more viewers in the Asian market, particularly in China. All that work may have gone down the drain after Mbappe called Mao a dictator while laughing and speaking strictly about memes, not politics.

LaLiga sends out a statement

Instead of sitting idle with their arms crossed, LaLiga responded with a lengthy statement expressing regret over Mbappe’s comments and seeking a peaceful way out of the predicament Real Madrid’s star has put the entire league in.

“La Liga deeply regrets the offense caused by Kylian Mbappe’s recent comments among Chinese fans,” LaLiga president Javier Tebas stated on X. “These comments were made in a personal capacity and do not represent LALIGA. To the extent of our institutional responsibility, we apologize on behalf of LALIGA and all its clubs.

“Spanish football upholds respect, coexistence, and unity among people of all cultures. We convey our respect to China, its institutions, and its people, and we deeply value the support of the millions of fans who follow us each week. We reaffirm our commitment to a relationship built over years.

“We are working with our partners and institutional interlocutors in China to address this situation. Likewise, in collaboration with the clubs and players, we will implement a protocol for awareness and communication that promotes respect for different cultures and helps prevent similar situations.“

Mbappe loses business deals in China

LaLiga and Real Madrid aren’t the only ones affected by Mbappe’s comments. The French star is paying a steep price, too. According to Europa Press, Chinese brands like Dongpeng and Mengniu have immediately terminated their partnerships with Mbappe following his labeling of Mao Zedong as a dictator.

Dongpeng released a statement making it clear that it firmly opposes any action that hurts Chinese national pride and maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward such actions. It remains to be seen whether more brands will follow suit and react to Mbappe’s comments.

Still, it’s clear that the controversy has led to significant financial losses for the player, his club, and LaLiga as a whole. Whether bridges can be rebuilt remains to be seen. For the time being, though, Mbappe’s and LaLiga’s apologetic statements might be good starts.

Key takeaways

• Kylian Mbappe’s remarks calling Mao Zedong a dictator triggered widespread controversy in China.
• China’s state-owned broadcaster suspended televising LaLiga matches until further notice.
• Kylian Mbappe released statement apologizing for comment about Mao Zedong.

Ronaldo, however, set an even more blistering pace. The Portuguese icon hit the century mark in just 105 appearances for Los Blancos, while the French superstar reached the milestone in 116 matches.

A closer look at Mbappe‘s first 100 goals shows how his output is distributed across competitions: 68 in La Liga, 23 in the UEFA Champions League, five across the Copa del Rey and Supercopa de España, and four between the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.

By comparison, Ronaldo’s first 100 Madrid goals came primarily in domestic league play: 76 in La Liga, 16 in the Champions League, seven in the Copa del Rey, and one in the Supercopa. The key divergence lies in the split between continental nights and domestic campaigns.

Cristiano vs. Mbappe: El Clasico scoring records

Across 30 El Clasico appearances in all competitions, Ronaldo found the net 18 times, equaling Alfredo Di Stefano and trailing only Lionel Messi on the all-time scoring list. What separated Ronaldo was not merely the volume, but the gravity of his goals: towering headers in Copa del Rey finals, trademark finishes during title-deciding visits to the Camp Nou, and a record six-match Clasico scoring streak that routinely silenced hostile away crowds.

Stepping into that colossal shadow, Mbappe has wasted little time stamping his authority on Spanish soccer’s biggest stage. With devastating straight-line speed and ruthless finishing in the penalty area, the French forward has claimed Madrid’s scoring mantle, consistently punishing Barcelona’s high back line and delivering the clinical edge required on hostile ground.

While Ronaldo compiled his resume across a decade of historic battles, Mbappe’s early impact in El Clasico proves that Real Madrid’s lineage of decisive, match-winning talismans remains firmly intact.

How many goals has Mbappe scored in his career?

As Ronaldo continues to chase the four-digit mark with Al Nassr, Mbappe has already racked up 448 career goals for club and country. His tally includes 27 for AS Monaco, a club-record 256 for Paris Saint-Germain, 98 for Real Madrid, and 67 for the French national team.

Key takeaways

• Kylian Mbappe reached 100 goals for Real Madrid in a 2-1 win over Barcelona.
• Cristiano Ronaldo needed 105 appearances to reach the century mark for Real Madrid.
• Mbappe achieved the milestone in 116 matches for Real Madrid.

During a recent interview, de Jong himself expressed that he was ready to make his official return: “I had been out for a long time and had only recently returned to team training, so it was completely normal for the coaching staff to assess me properly in training. Now, I think I’ve shown that I’m ready.”

Dani Olmo’s absence could be a headache for Hansi Flick, but having de Jong on the bench gives the manager more options to adjust his strategy. It remains to be seen whether the midfielder will finally return to the pitch after an extended spell on the sidelines.

What happened to Frenkie de Jong?

Frenkie de Jong suffered a severe knee ligament injury in his right knee while playing for the Netherlands during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, specifically during their Round of 32 knockout match against Morocco on June 29, 2026.

After undergoing medical evaluations in Barcelona during the offseason, the injury proved to be a ligament tear, ruling him out for around four months and forcing him to miss the entire pre-season and the opening stretch of the 2026–27 La Liga campaign.

Hansi Flick’s starting XI for El Clasico

With the goal of securing all three points at home against Real Madrid, these are the eleven players who will take the field to defend Barcelona’s colors: Joan Garcia; Xavi Espart, Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin, Joao Cancelo; Rodri, Pedri, Fermin Lopez; Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Anthony Gordon.

Key takeaways

• Frenkie de Jong starts on the bench for Barcelona due to a recent injury.
• Frenkie de Jong suffered a right knee ligament injury on June 29, 2026.
• Hansi Flick selected his starting XI for Barcelona against Real Madrid in El Clasico.

“Courtois trained normally yesterday, but in the last few hours was hit hard by a virus,” The Athletic‘s Mario Cortegana revealed on X. “He went to Valdebebas this morning and then waited until the end to see if he would feel well enough for El Clasico.”

As a result, the Merengues will have to rely on Andriy Lunin as their starting goalkeeper. The surprise comes on the bench, as academy prospect Illia Voloshyn had to be called up at the last minute.

A major blow for Real Madrid

Real Madrid lose a massive, stabilizing wall whenever Thibaut Courtois is sidelined. So far in the 2026–27 campaign, the Belgian goalkeeper has logged 9 appearances across La Liga and the Champions League, racking up 29 saves with a sharp 76.3% save percentage and allowing just 9 goals while recording 2 clean sheets.

His absence means losing elite shot-stopping, supreme command of the penalty area on crosses, and an invaluable composure under pressure that routinely bail out Madrid’s high-line defense in high-stakes fixtures. Without him anchor-ing the backline, Andriy Lunin has to step up, but the drop-off in sheer aerial presence and clutch big-game experience is something Real Madrid instantly feel.

Jose Mourinho’s confirmed starting XI

With the aim of securing three vital points, here is the starting XI Jose Mourinho is expected to field for Real Madrid in El Clasico. Andriy Lunin; Dean Huijsen, Ibrahima Konate, Marc Cucurella; Bernardo Silva, Federico Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni, Arda Guler, Jude Bellingham; Yan Diomande, Kylian Mbappe.

Key takeaways

• Thibaut Courtois will miss El Clasico for Real Madrid due to a virus.
• Thibaut Courtois logged nine total appearances for Real Madrid in the 2026–27 campaign.
• Jose Mourinho will start Andriy Lunin in goal against Barcelona.

Despite Raphinha’s equalizer early in the second half, the hosts couldn’t find their usual rhythm and fell short at home against their fierce rivals. Also, Barcelona added its second loss in a row, after PSG defeated the Spanish side in the UEFA Champions League last week.

With the win, Real Madrid remains in third place while closing the gap on Atletico Madrid in the La Liga standings. Barcelona stays atop the table, but its lead over Los Colchoneros was cut to just two points after its nine-game league winning streak was snapped.

How to watch Barcelona vs Real Madrid in the USA

Barcelona vs Real Madrid will air live on ABC and ESPN Deportes in the United States on Sunday. Fans can also stream the game live on Fubo, ESPN+ and the ESPN App.

Can I watch Barcelona vs Real Madrid for free?

Fans in the United States can watch Barcelona vs. Real Madrid for free with Fubo‘s 5-day free trial, provided the offer is available for their selected plan and they are eligible as new subscribers.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Barcelona and Real Madrid meet in the first El Clasico of the 2026-27 season, with the Matchday 10 showdown carrying major implications for the LaLiga title race. According to the league’s standings ahead of the fixture, Barcelona lead the table with 27 points, while Real Madrid sit third with 21 points after nine matches. Atletico Madrid are second on 22 points.

Barcelona enter the matchup with a perfect league record of nine wins from nine games, scoring 39 goals and conceding nine. Hansi Flick‘s side will look to maintain that momentum at home, where a victory over their biggest rivals could further strengthen their position at the top of the standings.

Real Madrid, coached by Jose Mourinho, have won seven of their first nine league matches, losing twice. They have scored 23 goals and conceded nine. Closing the gap on Barcelona is an important objective for Los Blancos, who will have an opportunity to make a statement in the title race by winning away from home.

The rivalry also brings individual battles into focus. Barcelona will look to players such as Lamine Yamal, Pedri and Raphinha to influence the game, while Real Madrid will rely on the attacking threat of Kylian Mbappe and the quality of Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior.

Barcelona vs Real Madrid: Predicted Lineups

Barcelona (4-2-3-1): Joan Garcia; Xavi Espart, Gerard Martin, Pau Cubarsi, Joao Cancelo; Pedri, Rodri; Karim Adeyemi, Fermin Lopez, Lamine Yamal; Gabriel Jesus.

Real Madrid (4-2-3-1): Thibaut Courtois; Marc Cucurella, Dean Huijsen, Ibrahima Konate, Federico Valverde; Aurelien Tchouameni, Jude Bellingham; Yanis Diomande, Arda Guler, Endrick; Kylian Mbappe.

What time is the Barcelona vs Real Madrid match?

Barcelona vs Real Madrid kicks off on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. ET in the United States. The LaLiga Matchday 10 fixture will take place at Spotify Camp Nou in Barcelona, Spain.

• Eastern Time (ET): 4:00 p.m.
• Central Time (CT): 3:00 p.m.
• Mountain Time (MT): 2:00 p.m.
• Pacific Time (PT): 1:00 p.m.

Real Madrid aren’t the only ones missing a key piece for the big game in Catalonia, as Dani Olmo isn’t playing for Barcelona, either. However, his absence is for a completely different reason than Vini Jr.’s, as the Real Madrid star is serving a harsh suspension imposed by LaLiga authorities.

Vinicius has been handed a four-game suspension by the Spanish football federation after his incident-filled outing against Villarreal in Matchday 8 of the 2026-27 LaLiga. Vinicius served the first game of his ban during Madrid’s 4-1 win over Sevilla, but has three more games left before he can return, and thus can’t play against Barcelona.

Why has Vinicius Jr. been suspended?

During Real Madrid’s 1-0 win against Villarreal in Matchday 8, Vinicius Jr. pulled Nathan Saliba’s hair. The foul initially went unnoticed by the referee, and Vinicius even assisted Jude Bellingham on what would have been the second goal of the game.

However, after a VAR review, the goal was overturned, and the Brazilian forward was sent off. Vini Jr. didn’t take the decision lightly and confronted the referee. As a result of the entire sequence, Vinicius was handed a four-game suspension: two matches for the hair pull and another two for his reaction to the referee.

Despite the club’s best efforts to appeal and reduce the punishment, the federation’s board stood firm and upheld the four-match ban, keeping Vinicius out of El Clasico at Spotify Camp Nou.

When can Vinicius return?

With Real Madrid set to play Racing Santander and Valencia on Nov. 1 and 7, respectively, Vinicius is eligible to return for Real Madrid on Nov. 21 against Celta de Vigo.

Because Vinicius’ suspension was imposed by the Spanish football federation, it only sidelines him for domestic competition. He can still play against AEK Athens in Matchday 4 of the 2026-27 UEFA Champions League (Nov. 4), just as he did against RB Leipzig during the week leading up to El Clasico.

Key takeaways

• Vinicius Jr. is suspended for Real Madrid’s El Clasico clash against Barcelona.
• A four-game suspension was handed to Vinicius Jr. following incidents against Villarreal.
• Eligible to return Nov. 21, Vinicius Jr. can face Celta de Vigo for Real Madrid.

While Vinicius is out for El Clasico at Spotify Camp Nou due to a harsh suspension imposed by the Spanish football federation, Olmo is sidelined for health reasons. Barcelona‘s defeat at Parc des Princes against PSG in the UEFA Champions League didn’t just snap Hansi Flick’s side’s unbeaten run in the 2026-27 season.

Barcelona’s deflating loss in Paris also raised concerns inside the locker room. Dani Olmo was subbed off early during Barcelona’s 4-2 loss to PSG and was subsequently ruled out of El Clasico against Real Madrid in Catalonia.

Dani Olmo’s status

As confirmed by the club, Olmo has sustained an injury to his left adductor muscle. According to the tests carried out on Olmo, the 2026 World Cup champion is expected to miss an entire month of action.

Although the return timeline is subject to change, Olmo’s initial injury update suggests he will not only miss El Clasico but could also be sidelined for upcoming fixtures against Aston Villa in the UEFA Champions League on Nov. 3 and Atletico Madrid in LaLiga on Nov. 8.

Olmo’s numbers in 2026-27

Coming off a dream summer in North America with the Spanish national team, Olmo made sure not to miss a beat with Barcelona. So far in the 2026-27 season, Olmo has appeared in 12 games, scoring one goal and providing four assists. It remains to be seen how Barcelona will fare without him, but if there’s one team in the world with enough firepower to weather the storm, it’s the Cules. The lineups for Barcelona vs. Real Madrid will be stacked regardless.

Key takeaways

• Dani Olmo was subbed off early against PSG and ruled out of El Clasico.
• A left adductor muscle injury sidelines Dani Olmo for an entire month.
• Dani Olmo has 12 appearances, one goal, and four assists in 2026-27.

Injuries will play a major role in shaping today’s battle. Real Madrid will be without starting goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, leaving Andriy Lunin to deputize between the posts for a match that remains the crown jewel of the European soccer calendar.

Barcelona enters the contest with key attacking absences of its own. Most notably, playmaker Dani Olmo is sidelined after picking up an injury during the club’s midweek UEFA Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain.

Real Madrid faces its own firepower deficit, as talisman Vinicius Jr. serves a suspension following his red card against Villarreal. Yet even with several marquee figures watching from the sidelines, both squads boast more than enough world-class talent to make this an enthralling tactical contest.

Barcelona vs Real Madrid: Confirmed starting lineups

With generational talents Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe headline the opposing attacks, the stakes are massive as both sides look to claim three critical points and seize control of the LaLiga title race.

Here are the confirmed starting XIs for El Clasico:

• FC Barcelona
  • Goalkeeper: Joan Garcia
  • Defenders: Xavi Espart, Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin, Joao Cancelo
  • Midfielders: Rodri, Pedri, Fermin Lopez
  • Forwards: Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Anthony Gordon
• Real Madrid
  • Goalkeeper: Andriy Lunin
  • Defenders: Federico Valverde, Dean Huijsen, Ibrahima Konate, Marc Cucurella
  • Midfielders: Bernardo Silva, Aurelien Tchouameni, Arda Guler, Jude Bellingham
  • Forwards: Yan Diomande, Kylian Mbappe

While an October clash rarely decides the domestic title outright, El Clasico remains the ultimate measuring stick for both powerhouses, a high-stakes proving ground that consistently showcases soccer at its most electrifying.

Key takeaways

• Thibaut Courtois is going to be replaced by Andriy Lunin for Real Madrid.
• Dani Olmo will miss El Clasico after an injury against Paris Saint-Germain.
• Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr. is suspended due to a red card against Villarreal.

How to watch Real Madrid vs Leipzig in the USA

Real Madrid vs. RB Leipzig will be available to watch in the United States through Paramount+ and DAZN USA, according to match-specific broadcast listings.

Can I watch Real Madrid vs Leipzig for free?

There is no confirmed free legal livestream of the full Real Madrid vs. Leipzig match in the United States. Paramount+ and DAZN USA are the listed streaming options, and viewers should check their existing subscriptions for access.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Real Madrid enter Matchday 3 looking to maintain their perfect start in the Champions League. They opened their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Inter Milan before producing a dramatic 4-3 comeback win against Roma. Six points from their first two matches put the Spanish side in a strong position as it pursues direct qualification for the Round of 16.

Jose Mourinho‘s team also arrives after a convincing 4-1 victory over Sevilla in LaLiga on October 18. Kylian Mbappe scored twice in that match, while Arda Guler and Yan Diomande also found the net. Vinicius Junior is available for the Champions League fixture despite being suspended domestically, giving Real Madrid another attacking option.

RB Leipzig face a tougher challenge after suffering a 6-1 defeat against Bayern Munich on October 17. The German side had previously beaten PSV Eindhoven 1-0 in the Champions League, recovering from a 4-1 loss to Como in its opening European fixture. Leipzig will need a much stronger defensive performance to contain Real Madrid’s attack at the Bernabeu.

Real Madrid vs Leipzig: Predicted Lineups

Real Madrid (4-2-3-1): Thibaut Courtois; Marc Cucurella, Ibrahima Konate, Antonio Rudiger, Denzel Dumfries; Aurelien Tchouameni, Federico Valverde; Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, Yanis Diomande; Kylian Mbappe.

Leipzig (4-2-3-1): Maarten Vandevoordt; David Raum, Castello Lukeba, Willi Orban, Ridle Baku; Ezechiel Banzuzi, Neil El Aynaoui; Antonio Nusa, Christopher Nkunku, Brajan Gruda; Romulo.

What time is the Real Madrid vs Leipzig match?

Real Madrid vs. Leipzig kicks off on Wednesday, October 21, at 3:00 p.m. ET in the United States. The Champions League league-phase fixture will be played at the Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid, with a local kickoff time of 9:00 p.m. CTS.

• Eastern Time: 3:00 p.m.
• Central Time: 2:00 p.m.
• Mountain Time: 1:00 p.m.
• Pacific Time: 12:00 p.m.

How to watch Real Madrid vs Sevilla in the USA

Real Madrid vs Sevilla will be available to watch live in the United States on ABC, ESPN Deportes, Fubo, ESPN+ and the ESPN App.

Can I watch Real Madrid vs Sevilla for free?

Eligible new subscribers may be able to watch Real Madrid vs Sevilla through Fubo‘s 5-day free trial. The platform lists the match on both ABC and ESPN Deportes, but trial availability and duration depend on the plan offered at signup.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Real Madrid enter Matchday 9 in fourth place with 18 points from eight games, while Sevilla sit fifth with 14 points. The four-point gap makes Sunday’s meeting an important opportunity for Sevilla to close in on the hosts, while Real Madrid will aim to stay in the title race and protect their position among the league’s leading teams.

Real Madrid will have to manage a significant attacking absence: Vinicius Junior is suspended for four LaLiga matches following his red card against Villarreal. The Brazilian will miss the Sevilla game, as well as upcoming league fixtures against Barcelona, Racing de Santander and Valencia.

His absence leaves coach Jose Mourinho with a decision to make on the left wing as the team enters a demanding stretch that also includes a Champions League match against Leipzig and El Clasico.

Sevilla arrive as one of the season’s early surprises under Luis Garcia Plaza. They will look to take advantage of Madrid’s suspension setback and improve a record at the Bernabeu that has been difficult for the visitors: Sevilla have not won there since 2008. The visitors also face their own selection concerns, with Isaac Romero suspended and Miguel Sierra injured, potentially affecting their attacking options.

Real Madrid vs Sevilla: Predicted Lineups

Real Madrid (4-2-3-1): Thibaut Courtois; Marc Cucurella, Dean Huijsen, Ibrahima Konate, Denzel Dumfries; Aurelien Tchouameni, Federico Valverde; Yanis Diomande, Jude Bellingham, Arda Guler; Kylian Mbappe.

Sevilla (4-2-3-1): Odysseas Vlachodimos; Gabriel Suazo, Kike Salas, Diego Castrin, Juanlu Iglesias; Lucien Agoume, Arouna Sangante; Tomas Correia, Seko Fofana, Chidera Ejuke; Robbie Ure.

What time is the Real Madrid vs Sevilla match?

Real Madrid vs Sevilla kicks off on Sunday, October 18, at 3:00 PM ET in the United States. The LaLiga Matchday 9 game will take place at the Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid, Spain, with kickoff scheduled for 9:00 PM local time.

• Eastern Time: 3:00 PM
• Central Time: 2:00 PM
• Mountain Time: 1:00 PM
• Pacific Time: 12:00 PM