In brief
French footballer Kylian Mbappé has seen a growing list of Chinese sponsors in the wake of a meme that referenced Mao Zedong. The clip, posted on a French talk show, leaked to Chinese social media and drew swift criticism from the foreign ministry and state broadcaster. Major brands such as Mengniu and Dongpeng withdrew contracts citing a zero‑tolerance policy on hurtful remarks. The incident reflects China’s sensitivity to Mao‑related imagery amidst his contentious legacy. While Mbappé’s future endorsements abroad remain uncertain, the backlash is already affecting his commercial presence in China.
The French football star is facing a growing list of brand partners who have severed ties with him after a meme that referenced Chinese leader Mao Zedong went viral on Chinese social media, triggering widespread condemnation.
Mbappé reportedly jokingly referred to a meme about an unnamed “Chinese dictator” during an interview on the French talk‑show The Bridge. The clip, which showed his face layered over an image resembling Mao, was never posted on the show’s official YouTube channel but screenshots spread rapidly across platforms like Weibo and Douyin.
The Chinese foreign ministry’s spokesman, Lin Jian, said the comments “hurt the feelings of the Chinese people” and called for the public to oppose such remarks. The state broadcaster CCTV has reportedly suspended La Liga broadcasts, and the Global Times noted that its news apps have removed content about the striker.
Several sponsors, including dairy giant Mengniu and drinks group Dongpeng, announced they were terminating sponsorships over “a zero‑tolerance policy towards any behaviour that offends national sentiments”. No official statements from Mbappé or the show have yet been released, and the exact wording of the meme remains unclear.
The incident comes amid growing sensitivity in China over references to Mao, who founded the People’s Republic in 1949 and is still portrayed as a sacrosanct figure by the Communist Party. His controversial policies, including the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution, left millions dead, yet Mao continues to be a revered icon in Chinese public life.
The fallout has already impacted Mbappé’s commercial portfolio. His endorsements with brands that market heavily in China are being reconsidered, and fans have called for greater cultural sensitivity from global sports stars. Whether the incident will affect his standing in European football remains to be seen.
