Kylian Mbappé faces a commercial setback in China after a video featuring remarks about Mao Zedong triggered a backlash. Two Chinese companies, Dongpeng and Mengniu, have reportedly ended their partnerships with the Real Madrid forward following the controversy.
The incident stems from an appearance on the show The Bridge, where Mbappé discussed a meme that superimposed his face onto that of the former Chinese leader. “My favorite meme about me? The one where they put my face on a Chinese dictator (Mao Zedong—editor’s note). It really makes me laugh; I use it all the time with my friends,” he said.
Dongpeng subsequently announced an immediate end to its collaboration with the French star, declaring that it opposed behaviour that hurt national sentiment. The video sparked heated reactions on Chinese social media, with some users condemning his comments.
The controversy comes shortly after Mbappé missed out on the 2026 Ballon d’Or, which Harry Kane won after a closely contested race. The incident has now extended beyond football, putting the French forward’s commercial partnerships under pressure in a major market. Mbappé remains one of the sport’s most recognisable figures, but the reaction in China highlights the potential consequences of public comments involving sensitive historical figures.
