Global soccer star Kylian Mbappé is losing sponsors in China after he joked about Chairman Mao
Kylian Mbappé caused anger among some in China after referring to Mao Zedong as a "Chinese dictator" in a discussion about his favorite memes.
French soccer sensation Kylian Mbappé is facing a backlash in China after he made a lighthearted remark about Chairman Mao Zedong on a podcast. The comment, which likened Mao to a "Chinese dictator," has prompted two major Chinese brands to sever their partnerships with Mbappé. Dongpeng, a sports drink manufacturer that features Mbappé in its advertisements, announced it would end its collaboration with the star player, stating that the company "firmly opposes and has zero tolerance for actions that hurt national feelings."
Similarly, Mengniu, China's largest dairy producer, also terminated its partnership with Mbappé, expressing its opposition to any words or actions that may hurt the feelings of Chinese people. The controversy has also impacted Mbappé's endorsement deals, with his contract with the shoemaker On falling through. Mbappé, who plays for Real Madrid and captains the French national team, has been nicknamed "The Dictator" due to his confidence and influence on the teams he represents.
In a statement, Mbappé apologized for his ill-judged comment, expressing his deep respect for the Chinese people and their history.
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