Kylian Mbappé's Controversial Mao Zedong Joke Leads to Backlash and Brand Boycott in China

World News

Kylian Mbappé's Controversial Mao Zedong Joke Leads to Backlash and Brand Boycott in China

Kylian Mbappé had to apologise after Mao Zedong joke

10/28/2026

Several major Chinese companies have ended their partnerships with Kylian Mbappé. He has apologised, citing "a deep respect for the Chinese people and their history".

Sky News

Mbappe apologises for 'ill-judged' Mao remark after being dropped by Chinese brands

10/27/2026

French footballer Kylian Mbappe has apologised for an "ill-judged" remark about Mao Zedong after being dropped by Chinese brands.

The Hindu

Mbappe dropped by Chinese brands for ‘offending national sentiments’

10/27/2026

The announcements came after a video emerged online with Mbappe saying that the funniest internet meme he had seen was of his face photo-shopped onto that of "some guy — I think he’s a Chinese...

Business Standard

China boycotts Kylian Mbappe after perceived insult to Mao Zedong

10/27/2026

CCTV has reportedly removed advertisements featuring Mbappe, stopped airing soccer matches involving the Frenchman and deleted all posts related to him from its official Weibo account

NBC News

Mao, memes and Mbappé: Chinese brands drop soccer star in fury over ‘dictator’ joke

10/27/2026

The scale of the backlash prompted the French captain to apologize "to everyone my words have upset," saying that his "comment was ill-judged."

CBC

Chinese brands cut ties with French soccer star Mbappe over 'Chinese dictator' remark

10/27/2026

French soccer star Kylian Mbappe's face appears in ads across China, from subway stations to inside elevators, but now at least three companies are cutting ties with the national team captain...