LaLiga

3 stories since 28 October 2026, newest first

29 October 2026

Sport

Barcelona fined over approach to Atletico striker Alvarez

Spain's football federation has fined Barcelona €602 (£503) following a complaint from Atletico Madrid about contact with striker Julian Alvarez. Atletico said Barcelona approached Alvarez without first notifying the club in writing. The sanction was issued under Article 133 of the federation's regulations. Atletico also complained to FIFA, which said it had no jurisdiction over the case. The fine came after Alvarez scored Atletico's winner against Deportivo La Coruna on Saturday, moving his side within two points of LaLiga leaders Barcelona. Alvarez, 26, has apologised for an interview at the 2026 World Cup in which he said he wanted to play for Barcelona. He remains under contract at Atletico until June 2030.

World

Mbappé apologises to China after Mao meme clip

France and Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé has apologised to China and its people after a clip of him discussing a meme that shows his face on a Chinese dictator went viral. The image is widely read as a reference to Mao Zedong. Three Chinese sponsors, Dongpeng, Mengniu and Milkground, have ended their deals with him. China Media Group has said it will suspend broadcasts of LaLiga and other matches involving Mbappé, and LaLiga has expressed deep regret over the hurt caused to Chinese fans.

28 October 2026

World

Mbappé apologises after Mao remark; Chinese sponsors exit

Kylian Mbappé, Real Madrid and La Liga have apologised to China after Mbappé called Mao Zedong a Chinese dictator in a French talk-show meme comment. Mbappé, France captain, said his remark was ill-judged and hurt many people in China. Dongpeng, Mengniu and Milkground ended their agreements with him, and China Media Group suspended La Liga broadcasts. China's foreign ministry said on Wednesday 28 Oct it takes the apology seriously. Real Madrid's games remained unavailable to viewers in China on Wednesday.

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