Full Breakdown
Kylian Mbappe Loses Chinese Sponsorships Over Controversial Mao Joke
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On October 27, two major Chinese brands—Dongpeng Beverage and Mengniu Dairy—announced the immediate termination of all cooperation with French football captain Kylian Mbappe. The decision followed the circulation of an online video in which Mbappe appeared to joke about Mao Zedong, the founding leader of the People’s Republic of China. AFP Fact Check reported that the video’s authenticity could not be immediately verified.
Background & Context
Mbappe had been a highly popular figure in China, known locally by the nickname “Guigui” and featured in advertising for Dongpeng’s sports drink during the 2023 World Cup. Sensitivities around Mao and other politically charged topics have previously prompted Chinese sponsors to drop foreign athletes. In 2023, former NBA player Dwight Howard faced sponsor loss after referring to Taiwan as a country, and in 2019 NBA general manager Daryl Morey was suspended from Chinese partnerships after supporting Hong Kong protests.
Official Statements & Responses
Dongpeng Beverage issued a statement asserting a zero-tolerance policy toward behavior that offends national sentiments and confirmed the termination of its partnership with Mbappe. Mengniu made a similar declaration, emphasizing its opposition to any words or actions that hurt the feelings of the Chinese people and also ending its cooperation. The Chinese football outlet Dongqiudi described Mbappe’s remarks as offensive to China and harmful to Chinese football fans. In a separate interview with *L’Équipe*, Mbappe acknowledged the controversy, noting that while some jokes are “in good fun,” references to individuals responsible for historical atrocities are not appropriate and that he has never committed comparable acts himself.
Impact on Mbappe’s China Market
The sponsor withdrawals remove Mbappe’s presence from high-visibility advertising in China, potentially affecting his earnings and brand reach in a market where he previously enjoyed millions of social-media followers. Public reaction on the Chinese platform Weibo labeled the remarks “extremely serious” and called for the removal of his image from product packaging.
Outlook
No further statements from the brands or Mbappe’s representatives have been reported, and no upcoming actions have been announced.