Kylian Mbappe Dropped by Two Chinese Brands Over Viral Mao Meme Video

 

Chinese Brands Drop Kylian Mbappe Over Viral Mao Zedong Meme Video

Two major Chinese companies have ended their commercial partnerships with French football star Kylian Mbappe following the circulation of a video in which he appeared to make a joke about an internet meme linking his face to former Chinese leader Mao Zedong.

Dongpeng Beverage and Mengniu, two prominent brands in China's beverage and dairy industries, announced the immediate termination of their respective agreements with the Real Madrid forward on Tuesday. Both companies cited their opposition to remarks or conduct they believe could offend Chinese national sentiment.

Dongpeng said it maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward behavior that disrespects national feelings. Mengniu issued a similar statement, emphasizing its position against words or actions that hurt the feelings of the Chinese people.

The controversy centers on a video in which Mbappe reportedly identified a digitally altered image of himself superimposed on a historical figure as the funniest internet meme he had encountered. He described the person depicted as a Chinese dictator, apparently referring to Mao Zedong, whose image has been used in several online edits featuring the footballer's face.

However, the video's authenticity had not been independently verified by AFP Fact Check at the time of reporting. The circumstances surrounding the recording and the full context of the remarks therefore remain uncertain.

The companies' decisions quickly became a major topic on Chinese social media. Dongpeng Beverage's termination of its partnership with Mbappe emerged as a top-trending subject on Weibo, reflecting the rapid commercial consequences that can follow online controversies involving international celebrities.

For global brands and athletes, the episode highlights the risks of operating across markets with different cultural and political sensitivities. Sponsorship agreements can offer access to millions of consumers, but public image remains a critical business asset, and a viral clip can place those partnerships under immediate scrutiny.

The development also came shortly after Mbappe, 27, lost the Ballon d'Or to England striker Harry Kane on Monday, adding another headline to a period of heightened attention surrounding the French international.