A wave of backlash in China has led several major brands to sever ties with French footballer Kylian Mbappe. The controversy stems from comments the Real Madrid forward reportedly made on a French talk show, where he discussed a popular meme that superimposes his face onto the image of the late Chinese leader Mao Zedong.
In unverified clips circulating online, Mbappe described the meme as his favorite, stating that it makes him laugh and that he uses it frequently with friends. While he did not explicitly name Mao in the segment, the visual reference was clear. The original video is no longer available on the show's YouTube channel, but screenshots of the moment have spread widely across Chinese social media platforms.
The incident gained significant traction after Chinese football forum Dongqiudi highlighted the comments on Monday night. The forum described the remarks as inappropriate and noted that they hurt the feelings of the Chinese public. This statement triggered a rapid online reaction, with users criticizing the player for profiting from the Chinese market while making offensive remarks.
China's foreign ministry also addressed the situation. Spokesperson Lin Jian stated that the ministry has noted the reports and emphasized that words and deeds that hurt the feelings of the Chinese people will naturally meet opposition from all sectors of society. Neither Mbappe nor the talk show has yet issued an official response to the growing criticism.
In response to the public sentiment, major Chinese companies have moved to terminate their contracts with the striker. Mengniu, the country's largest dairy producer, announced a zero-tolerance policy toward any actions that hurt national feelings. Similarly, drinks giant Dongpeng stated that it firmly opposes behavior that offends national sentiments. While the brands did not explicitly cite the specific video in their statements, the timing and language strongly suggest the meme is the cause.
The controversy has also affected media coverage in China. According to reports, the state broadcaster CCTV is suspending the broadcast of La Liga matches. Additionally, content related to the French striker has been removed from the news apps of the state broadcaster. This shift in coverage underscores the extent to which the incident has impacted the player's presence in the country.
Mao Zedong is a complex figure in Chinese history. He founded Communist China in 1949 and ruled through turbulent decades in the 1960s and 1970s. His initiatives, including the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution, led to significant hardship and loss of life. Despite the mixed historical legacy, he remains a revered national icon within the Chinese Communist Party, making any perceived disrespect a sensitive issue.
Mbappe has long been associated with the nickname the dictator due to his dominant influence in football. This moniker has made him a frequent subject of internet memes. In 2024, he sued a French influencer for using his name in a sandwich description, an event that some believe reinforced his portrayal as a figure of authority.
During the 2026 World Cup, his teammate Ousmane Dembele played into the trend by calling Mbappe Mobut, a reference to a former Congolese dictator. In a September interview with France Football, Mbappe acknowledged the humor in these comparisons but noted that they sometimes reveal a lack of political awareness among people.
The French star further explained that while some comparisons are lighthearted, others are less funny given the historical damage caused by such leaders. He expressed his belief that he has not made millions of people miserable in his life, a sentiment that now finds itself at the center of a significant diplomatic and commercial dispute.