In brief
Mbappé apologised for a meme that poked fun at Mao Zedong, a hugely sensitive topic in China. The comment got blasted across Chinese social media, prompting sponsors and media outlets to cut ties. Officials in China condemned the remarks, and state‑run CCTV even dropped coverage of LaLiga. The incident spotlights how sports stars must navigate global cultural norms while building worldwide brands.
Mbappé apologises after meme sparks China outrage
French football star Kylian Mbappé said he was sorry for a meme that went viral on Chinese social media. The meme joked about him being a “dictator” – a reference to Mao Zedong – a figure that’s highly protected by the Chinese government.
In an interview on the show The Bridge, Mbappé laughed at a clip that didn’t show Mao’s name but used a super‑imposed image of the former leader. The joke didn’t sit well with millions of Chinese netizens.
News spread fast. The hashtag #MultipleBrandsTerminateCoupsPushedMbappé trended on Weibo, where users demanded he stop coming to China.
China’s largest dairy company, Mengniu, and drink giant Dongpeng both issued statements that they would not tolerate language that hurt the feelings of Chinese people. State‑run CCTV also said it would stop airing LaLiga matches and avoid showcasing the striker.
The backlash shows why joking about Mao is a no‑no in China. Mao founded the Republic in 1949, but his rule also caused famine and violence. The party still holds him up as a national icon, so any joke is seen as a serious disrespect.
What the brands did
Several Chinese partners, including major sponsors for Mbappé and his club Real Madrid, dropped contracts. The fallout is not just financial – media outlets like CCTV pulled coverage, and the player’s promotional clips were silenced.
Why this matters for global athletes
China’s market is huge for sports stars. In 2026, Mbappé earned millions from deals with brands like Dongpeng, Mengniu, and others. His untreated meme caused a ripple that's now reshaping his brand image.
For fans and brands alike, this incident is a reminder that a culture‑sensitive approach is crucial when you’re shouting “Go, Mbappé!” across borders.
