Mbappe Under Fire in China: Mao Meme Controversy Sparks Brand Exodus, French Star Apologises

Xtratime Webdesk: Kylian Mbappe’s off-field troubles have taken a turn in China, with a viral online meme from a French talk show triggering a commercial backlash against the Real Madrid star.

The controversy began after footage from The Bridge, a French online talk show, resurfaced in late October. During the programme, Mbappe was asked about his favourite meme featuring himself. He appeared to laugh while discussing an edited image that placed his face on the body of former Chinese leader Mao Zedong. Mbappe referred to the figure as a “Chinese dictator” and said the meme was something he used with friends online.

The clip spread rapidly across Chinese social media, where references to Mao are considered sensitive. The footage has not been independently authenticated by Reuters, while Mbappe’s representatives had not initially responded.

The backlash moved beyond social media. Chinese companies began severing commercial ties with the France captain. Beverage maker Dongpeng, dairy giant Mengniu and cheese producer Shanghai Milkground announced that they were ending their partnerships with Mbappe with immediate effect. Their statements cited opposition to words or actions that hurt the feelings of the Chinese people or national sentiment.

The commercial fallout was followed by a wider media reaction. Chinese state television reportedly halted broadcasts involving Mbappe and LaLiga, while advertisements featuring the footballer were removed. On Weibo, calls to boycott or blacklist the French forward also gained traction.

Mbappe has since issued an apology, acknowledging that his response to the image was “ill-judged” and that he understood it had hurt people in China and members of Chinese communities worldwide. He apologised to everyone offended by his words, stressed that causing offence was not his intention and expressed “deep respect” for the Chinese people and their history.

The episode has turned what began as a light-hearted meme discussion into a commercial crisis for one of football’s biggest stars, underlining how a viral moment can carry consequences far beyond the pitch.