Full Breakdown
Mbappé’s Meme Remark Sparks Chinese Backlash and Sponsorship Fallout
By Drooid · · How we work
In this breakdown
01
Core Event
The remark was interpreted in China as disrespect toward the founding leader of the People’s Republic of China. Within hours, three Chinese sponsors—Dongpeng Beverage Group, Mengniu Dairy, and Milkground—announced termination of their agreements with the player, and state broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV) suspended all La Liga matches featuring Mbappé.
02
Background & Context
Mao Zedong (1949-1976) remains a politically sensitive figure in China; jokes or criticism of him are routinely censored. The Chinese market has previously forced foreign athletes and leagues to apologize after perceived slights, notably the 2019 NBA suspension following Daryl Morey’s Hong Kong tweet. The current incident follows a pattern of rapid commercial retaliation when “national sentiment” is deemed offended.
Visual evidence
Images from the story
03
Data & Statistics
- Sponsorship losses: Dongpeng, Mengniu and Milkground each issued “zero-tolerance” statements and ended contracts with Mbappé on the same day.
- Financial impact: Forbes estimates Mbappé’s China-related earnings could be as high as $30 million per year. Bloomberg reported that Eastroc Beverage (owner of Dongpeng) shares fell 4.1 % in Shanghai, while Mengniu shares dropped about 3 % in Hong Kong.
04
Official Statements & Responses
- Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun told a regular briefing that “we take seriously the apology the individual concerned has made.”
- Dongpeng announced, “Our company firmly opposes and has a zero-tolerance policy towards any behavior that offends national sentiments,” and terminated cooperation “with immediate effect.”
- The People’s Daily column warned that once a public figure “steps on a red line,” they become a “brand’s negative asset.”
05
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- The exact date of the original interview is unclear; VOA notes the clip circulated in early October 2026, whereas The Guardian mentions the video first appeared in April 2026. No source provides a definitive timeline for the interview’s recording.
06
Verbatim Quotes
- “I apologize to everyone my words have upset,” — Kylian Mbappé, france captain
- “We take seriously the apology he has made,” — Ministry
- “Of course, once a public figure's speech and actions cross the limit, or step on a red line, … he becomes a brand's negative asset,” — the Communist Party
- “We take seriously the apology that the person has made.” — Guo Jiakun, foreign affairs spokesperson
- “There are many. The one I laughed the most at is one where they put a video of a guy, I think he is a Chinese dictator, and they put my face on it. I use it a lot with my friends online,” — Kylian Mbappé, france captain
- “Our company firmly opposes and has a zero-tolerance policy towards any behavior that offends national sentiments,” — Dongpeng
07
What’s Next
La Liga announced it will develop a “communication protocol” with clubs and partners to prevent similar incidents, but no specific implementation date has been disclosed. Chinese authorities have not indicated any legal action against Mbappé, and the suspension of La Liga broadcasts remains in effect.