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Kylian Mbappe faces China backlash as major sponsors cut ties over Mao Zedong meme

Kylian Mbappe has lost at least three major sponsors in China after seemingly referring to Mao Zedong as a dictator during an appearance on an online chat show…

Published: Tuesday, 27 October 2026 at 10:40 AM
Kylian Mbappe faces China backlash as major sponsors cut ties over Mao Zedong meme
Key Things to Know
  • Kylian Mbappe issued a public apology after three Chinese sponsors severed ties over a Mao Zedong meme reference.
  • Chinese companies Dongpeng, Mengniu, and Milkground ended commercial partnerships with the Real Madrid forward.
  • Mbappe had referred to an online meme depicting him as a "Chinese dictator" during an online interview.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Kylian Mbappe has issued a public apology after at least three Chinese sponsors severed ties with the Real Madrid forward. Companies including Dongpeng, Mengniu, and Milkground ended their commercial partnerships after Mbappe appeared to describe former Chinese communist leader Mao Zedong as a dictator during an interview on the French online show "The Bridge".

In the interview, Mbappe referred to an internet meme depicting his face on Mao's body. Chinese brands and social media platform RedNote stated they opposed actions hurting national sentiment, prompting an apology from Mbappe, who acknowledged his remarks were ill-judged and expressed deep respect for Chinese history.

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