Kylian Mbappe Faces Backlash in China, Loses Brand Partnerships
French football star Kylian Mbappe has encountered a commercial setback after three Chinese brands decided to end their partnerships with him. This decision followed the release of a viral video in which he seemed to refer to former Chinese leader Mao Zedong as a dictator.
On Tuesday, three companies—Dongpeng Beverage, Mengniu Dairy, and Milkground—announced they were terminating their partnerships with the Real Madrid striker. This decision came after the video sparked significant criticism on Chinese social media, where users accused Mbappe of disrespecting the country’s sentiments.
Dongpeng Beverage stated it was ending its association with Mbappe immediately, citing a strong stance against behavior that could offend national feelings. Mengniu echoed this sentiment, stating it would not support actions that hurt the feelings of the Chinese public. Milkground also confirmed it was cutting ties with the footballer.
What Sparked the Controversy?
The controversy began when Mbappe appeared in a video discussing internet memes that have become popular on social media, one of which featured his face superimposed onto images of historical figures. When asked about his favorite meme, he reportedly mentioned one featuring his face on “some guy – I think he’s a Chinese dictator,” which many interpreted as a reference to Mao, the founder of the People’s Republic of China.
Although the authenticity of the video has not been confirmed, it triggered a backlash online, and discussions around Dongpeng’s decision to end its partnership became a trending topic on Weibo, a major Chinese social media platform. Some users even called for the brands to remove Mbappe’s image from their products.
This incident illustrates the sensitivity surrounding Mao’s legacy in China, as making negative comments or jokes about him can lead to strong public reactions.
At 27 years old, Mbappe has been a beloved figure among Chinese football fans, enjoying significant commercial appeal. This controversy also reignited discussions about memes that compare him to historical figures associated with authoritarianism. In an earlier interview, Mbappe noted that while some memes were meant as jokes, he felt uncomfortable with being compared to figures linked to suffering and oppression.
The recent developments highlight the risks international sports stars take when their comments are perceived to offend large markets. For Mbappe, losing these partnerships in China comes at a time when he remains one of the most recognized figures in football.
This situation follows a noteworthy event at the Ballon d’Or ceremony held in London, where Mbappe finished second in the voting for best male player, just behind England’s Harry Kane, who became the first Englishman in 25 years to win the prestigious award. Kane had an outstanding season, scoring 73 goals and helping Bayern Munich secure the Bundesliga title.
Thus, while Mbappe faced a significant individual honor during the Ballon d’Or, he now contends with the fallout from the controversy in China, overshadowing his recent achievements.
