Mbappe drops from Mengniu, Dongpeng after Mao Zedong meme comments

Kylian Mbappe has lost two major Chinese sponsors after a clip of him praising a meme featuring Mao Zedong sparked a wave of public anger. The French forward was seen on a talk show describing the image, which superimposes his face onto the late leader, as his favorite joke. He said it makes him laugh and that he uses it often with friends. Although he did not name Mao directly, the visual reference in the clip was unmistakable. The original video has been removed from the show's YouTube channel, but screenshots have circulated widely across Chinese social media.

The controversy escalated on Monday night when the football forum Dongqiudi highlighted the remarks. The forum called the comments inappropriate and said they hurt the feelings of the Chinese public. This statement triggered a rapid online response. Users criticized the player for earning money in the Chinese market while making statements they viewed as offensive. China's foreign ministry also weighed in. Spokesperson Lin Jian said the ministry noted the reports. He added 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 issued an official response.

Commercial partners moved quickly to sever ties. Mengniu, China's largest dairy producer, announced a zero-tolerance policy for actions that hurt national feelings. Dongpeng, a major drinks company, stated it firmly opposes behavior that offends national sentiments. Neither brand explicitly cited the specific video in their statements, but the timing and language pointed directly to the meme. The state broadcaster CCTV is also suspending broadcasts of La Liga matches. Content related to the French striker has been removed from the broadcaster's news apps. These steps mark a sharp reduction in the player's visibility within the country.

Mao Zedong remains a revered icon within the Chinese Communist Party, despite a complex historical legacy that includes the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution. His initiatives led to significant hardship and loss of life. Perceived disrespect toward him is therefore 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. Some observers believe that event 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. He noted that they sometimes reveal a lack of political awareness among people. He 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. That sentiment now sits at the center of a dispute involving diplomatic and commercial partners.