In brief
French football star Kylian Mbappé apologised for remarks in a TV interview that echoed a meme comparing him to the late Chinese leader Mao Zedong. The comments prompted backlash on Chinese social media, causing major Chinese brands such as Mengniu and Dongpeng to sever ties. Chinese state media removed coverage of the striker, and the government warned that any offence to national sentiment would not be tolerated. The incident underscores the sensitivity of Mao‑related jokes in China and the risks for global athletes with commercial interests in the market.
Kylian Mbappé has publicly apologised after a meme showing him alongside Mao Zedong sparked outrage on Chinese social media and led to several high‑profile Chinese brands cutting ties with the star.
During a French talk show, Mbappé laughed at a meme that portrayed him as a dictator, a reference that had been circulating online for years. He said, "My comment was ill‑judged, and I now understand that it hurt many people in China and in Chinese communities around the world," before apologising to those affected.
Two major Chinese brands – dairy producer Mengniu and beverage giant Dongpeng – issued statements condemning the remarks and announced that they would terminate their endorsement contracts with the striker. Real Madrid and La Liga also released apologies, citing the offence caused to Chinese fans.
The fallout has extended to the media. State broadcaster CCTV has removed all coverage of Mbappé, and La Liga matches are no longer shown on Chinese television. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned that any action that “hurt[s] the feelings of the Chinese people” would be met with opposition from all sectors of society.
Mao Zedong remains a highly sensitive subject in China. While he founded the People’s Republic in 1949 and ushered in rapid industrialisation, his policies—particularly the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution—led to widespread suffering. The Communist Party still regards him as a national icon, making jokes about him offensive to both the party and the public.
Mbappé, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of his generation, has long been the subject of memes that play on his nickname “the dictator.” However, he has cautioned that some jokes reflect a lack of political and human awareness, stressing that being compared to historical dictators is a “side that is a bit less funny.”
Beyond the social media storm, the incident highlights the challenges faced by global sports stars operating in the Chinese market. Millions of Chinese fans support Mbappé, and he has earned multi‑million‑dollar endorsements from local companies. Yet, a single insensitive remark can trigger widespread boycotts and damage the athlete’s commercial prospects.
For now, the star’s future in Chinese branding is uncertain, and the incident serves as a cautionary tale about the cultural sensitivities that accompany worldwide fame.
