Coverage dated October 26, 2026 to October 31, 2026
Kylian Mbappé and Mao Zedong: How the French soccer star caused outrage in China
Headline from KTLA Los Angeles
One of the world’s best soccer players is in hot water after reacting to a meme of himself. For those who don’t know, Kylian Mbappé -- the World Cup-winning forward who plays for Real Madrid and the France Men’s National Team – has been the subject of memes and GIFs portraying him as a [...]
KTLA Los Angeles's own description from its feed. We collect headlines and these descriptions, not full articles; read the original reporting below.
French football star Kylian Mbappe was dropped by two major Chinese brands on Tuesday after a video circulated online in which he appeared to joke about former leader Mao Zedong. Energy drink giant Dongpeng and dairy producer Mengniu said they had terminated their partnerships, citing remarks that o…
Two Chinese consumer brands cut ties with French soccer star Kylian Mbappé over comments deemed insulting to founding father Mao Zedong, the latest example of foreign celebrities and companies running afoul of political sensitivities in the world’s second-biggest economy.
Video appears to show Mao Zedong called a ‘dictator’ Dongpeng and Mengniu end deals with player Kylian Mbappé has been dropped by two major brands in China after a video circulated online in which the France striker apparently joked about the former leader Mao Zedong.
The French striker, who ranks third on Forbes’ list of highest-paid soccer stars, faced backlash after he appeared to describe Mao Zedong as a “Chinese dictator.”
Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappé has lost three Chinese sponsors and La Liga matches have been suspended on Chinese state television following a viral video clip.
He’s one of the world’s most popular athletes, but Kylian Mbappé is suddenly paying the penalty for being on the wrong side of China’s fervent nationalism.
The French striker, who ranks third on Forbes’ list of highest-paid soccer stars, faced backlash after he appeared to describe Mao Zedong as a “Chinese dictator.”
French soccer star Kylian Mbappe has apologized after apparently referring to Mao Zedong as a dictator. Chinese sponsors have dropped him, while state television has suspended Spanish league broadcasts.
Kylian Mbappé has apologized for comments referring to Mao Zedong as a dictator. He said his remarks were ill-judged and hurt many people in China and Chinese communities worldwide.
Dictator Mbappé or Mbappe Dictator, also known as Mbappe Ditador or the 姆 巴 佩 Meme in Chinese, is a nickname and series of memes referring to French football player Kylian Mbappé depicted as a dictator.
The Real Madrid striker was dropped by Chinese sponsors after laughing at an image of his face on the former Chinese leader’s body and referring to him as a “dictator,” in a video on social media.
The official newspaper of China’s ruling Communist Party warned that global celebrities risk losing their commercial appeal in the country if they offend local audiences, as widening backlash against French football star Kylian Mbappé puts his brand partnerships under pressure.
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”.
