Key Takeaways
- Mbappé apologised after comments about a meme depicting him as Mao Zedong caused offence among Chinese audiences.
- Dongpeng Beverage and Mengniu announced that they were ending their commercial partnerships with the French footballer.
- LaLiga apologised to Chinese fans and announced plans for a cultural-awareness and communications protocol.
Mbappé's Meme Joke Triggers an International Backlash
A joke about an internet meme has become a major reputational issue for Kylian Mbappé. The Real Madrid and France forward faced criticism in China after comments about an image comparing him to Mao Zedong prompted apologies, sponsorship withdrawals and renewed debate about cultural sensitivity.
What Did Mbappé Say?
The controversy centres on a video circulating online in which Mbappé discusses memes portraying him as a dictator. In the clip, he appears to describe an image depicting him as Mao, the founding leader of the People's Republic of China, as particularly funny.
The original interview footage has not been independently authenticated in the sources reviewed for this article. However, Mbappé subsequently acknowledged that his comment was inappropriate and apologised to people in China and Chinese communities worldwide. He said he respected Chinese people and their history and regretted the offence caused.
Chinese Brands End Partnerships
On October 27, Dongpeng Beverage announced that it was terminating all cooperation with Mbappé, effective immediately. Mengniu Dairy also announced an end to its partnership, saying it would not tolerate conduct it considered hurtful to Chinese people's feelings.
The decisions put commercial consequences behind the online backlash. Mbappé has been used in Chinese marketing campaigns for consumer products, making the controversy significant beyond football and his performances on the pitch.
LaLiga also issued an apology to Chinese fans. The Spanish league said Mbappé's remarks were made in a personal capacity and did not represent the organisation. It announced plans to develop a cultural-awareness and communications protocol with clubs and players.
TwikUp's Perspective
Global sports stars operate across markets with different historical experiences and cultural sensitivities. A joke intended as self-mockery can travel far beyond its original context, especially when a public figure's image is part of the joke.
The episode also shows how sponsorships depend on more than sporting success. Brands may react quickly when public controversy threatens their relationship with customers. The longer-term impact on Mbappé's commercial standing remains uncertain, but the response highlights the importance of context and judgment in international communication.