Kylian Mbappé has been removed from major virtual football titles in China following a public backlash over comments the Real Madrid forward made regarding the country. Electronic Arts (EA) and Konami confirmed they are withdrawing the player’s likeness from their respective Chinese-market simulation games, a move that follows widespread criticism of remarks the French international made during a recent media appearance.
EA Sports and Konami Remove Player Assets
The transition away from Mbappé’s digital presence in the Chinese market is being executed across several platforms. According to reports, EA Sports communicated via its official WeChat channel that a mandatory update for EA Sports FC Online—the version of the game managed by Tencent—would remove the striker from the title. Konami has initiated a parallel process for its Chinese-market portfolio, which includes PES, PES Online, and PES Mobile, all of which fall under the broader eFootball franchise.
❌🚨𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋: Mbappe was completely removed from the Chinese version of eFootballThe developers made a statement:Recently, French football player Kylian Mbappe made inappropriate remarks about China in a public interview, which seriously hurt the feelings of the… pic.twitter.com/sWhK0bSaF6
The removal extends beyond the athlete’s in-game avatar. Konami confirmed that it is deleting all player cards associated with the forward and will cease using his name or image in any future promotional campaigns within the country. Both publishers have issued statements noting their rejection of comments deemed offensive to the Chinese public.
The Origins of the Digital Sanction
The controversy stems from an interview Mbappé gave on The Bridge Show. During the discussion, the forward was asked to identify his favorite meme. He referenced an image featuring his own face superimposed onto the likeness of a figure he identified as a Chinese dictator. The player remarked that he and his friends frequently shared the image while playing video games together.
The broadcast of these comments triggered an immediate negative reaction across Chinese social media platforms, placing strain on the player’s existing commercial partnerships in the region. The fallout has prompted responses from the athlete’s professional representatives as well as officials from LaLiga, both of whom have issued public apologies regarding the incident.
Commercial Implications in the Chinese Market
The decision by EA and Konami highlights the sensitivity of international brands operating within the Chinese digital landscape. While the removal of a high-profile athlete from a simulation title is a significant technical and marketing adjustment, it reflects the alignment of these companies with local sentiment to mitigate potential reputational damage. As of now, neither company has indicated whether this removal is temporary or permanent, or if it will impact the player’s availability in international versions of their respective titles.
Worth a look
