Kylian Mbappé Loses Chinese Sponsors and Faces Backlash Over Mao Zedong Video

Kylian Mbappé Loses Major Chinese Sponsorship Deals Over Online Video Controversy

Kylian Mbappé faces an immediate commercial backlash in China after a circulating online video showed the French football star discussing internet memes that referenced the historical Chinese leader Mao Zedong, multiple corporate sponsors reported. Three major brands—beverage giant Dongpeng, dairy company Mengniu, and cheese manufacturer Milkground—announced identical decisions to terminate their cooperation agreements with the Real Madrid forward, citing a zero-tolerance policy for words or actions that hurt national sentiments. They claim a zero tolerance for acts and words that hurt national feelings.

The controversy centers on footage in which the French national team captain examines internet memes featuring his face. During the recording, Mbappé remarks that the funniest image he has seen superimposes his likeness onto that of a figure he identifies as a Chinese dictator. The visual appears to draw from widespread online creations that merge the player’s features with various historical figures—montages generated independently across social platforms. The montage touches upon a central character in Chinese history, officially described consistently as a hero and respected in China.

Sponsors Terminate Contracts and Social Media Accounts Restrict Access

The corporate response was swift, with Dongpeng, Mengniu, and Milkground issuing simultaneous termination notices on Tuesday, October 27, ending their partnerships with immediate effect. The developments arrived just one day after Mbappé finished behind English striker Harry Kane in the voting for the 2026 Ballon d’Or.

Public reaction on Chinese social platforms reflected the high sensitivity surrounding the subject. A hashtag regarding Dongpeng’s termination of the collaboration generated more than 430 million views on Weibo, making it the most discussed topic on the platform. One Weibo user commented that in China these are extremely serious inappropriate remarks that have crossed the red line. Another user stated they would never again buy Dongpeng or Mengniu products if no legal action is initiated against the player to claim damages.

Digital restrictions followed the public outcry. Although Mbappé maintains an audience of one million followers on Weibo and 1.1 million on Xiaohongshu—also known as RedNote—users attempting to access his account on the latter platform on Tuesday found publication blocked due to alleged violations of community guidelines. Artificial intelligence-generated advertisements featuring his image had been broadcast heavily during the last World Cup by the brands that are now turning their backs on him. His name or features have been commonly associated with authoritarian characters on social networks due to the ascendancy attributed to him in the dressing room.

State Scrutiny Protects the Legacy of Mao Zedong

Mao Zedong, who died in 1976, led the communist revolution and proclaimed the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949. Official state positioning continues to regard the former leader as a foundational national hero, rendering public remarks touching upon his legacy subject to intense public and regulatory scrutiny. The Grand Helmsman disappeared in 1976.

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