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Dongpeng ends partnership with Mbappé after China backlash

By Drooid · Oct 30, 2026 · How we work

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Summary

Kylian Mbappé apologized for his ill-judged remarks about a meme linking him to Mao Zedong.
Real Madrid and La Liga also issued apologies for offending Chinese fans.
Mengniu said it opposes any words that hurt Chinese people’s feelings.
Dongpeng announced it will end its partnership with Mbappé over the incident.
China Media Group suspended CCTV broadcasts of La Liga matches following the controversy.

Summary

On Holding shares slid 5.7% on Tuesday, its biggest drop since Aug. 11.
Eastroc Beverage Group’s Shanghai-listed shares fell 4.1% after cutting ties with Mbappé.
Mengniu’s Hong Kong-listed stock slipped about 3% following its sponsorship termination.
La Liga announced a communication protocol for players and clubs to avoid future incidents.
Adidas’ Beijing flagship store displayed Real Madrid shirts but no Mbappé-named jerseys after the controversy.

History

After the NBA’s 2019 Daryl Morey Hong Kong tweet prompted CCTV to drop broadcasts, Tencent’s live-stream audience fell 5 % and Adam Silver warned of up to $400 million in lost revenue, sponsors quickly withdrew. The league’s 2025 Macau games marked a tentative return to China. Mbappé’s recent meme dispute now triggers similar sponsor exits, echoing that earlier backlash.

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After the NBA’s 2019 Daryl Morey Hong Kong tweet prompted CCTV to drop broadcasts, Tencent’s live-stream audience fell 5 % and Adam Silver warned of up to $400 million in lost revenue, sponsors quickly withdrew. The league’s 2025 Macau games marked a tentative return to China. Mbappé’s recent meme dispute now triggers similar sponsor exits, echoing that earlier backlash.

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