Mbappé apologises as Chinese sponsors cut ties over Mao comment

Mbappé apologises as Chinese sponsors cut ties over Mao comment

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French footballer Kylian Mbappé apologized on 28 October after his remark was interpreted as calling Mao Zedong a dictator, following protests from Chinese authorities that led several Chinese brands to end their sponsorships and broadcasters to suspend coverage of his matches. The backlash began on 27 October when video footage showed Mbappé referring to Mao as a "Chinese dictator," prompting Dongpeng Beverage and Mengniu to terminate their partnership with the player, as reported by Al Jazeera. La Liga also issued a statement condemning the comment, according to the same outlet.

Actors

Dongpeng Beverage Mengniu Kylian Mbappé

Locations

China

Articles

October 28, 2026
1 total
Mbappe apologises after comment referring to Mao as a dictator, faces brand fallout
Mbappe apologises after comment referring to Mao as a dictator, faces brand fallout

CNA • 28 Oct 00:11

Kylian Mbappe issued an apology for remarks that appeared to label Mao Zedong a dictator, prompting protests from Chinese authorities, the termination of several sponsorships and broadcast suspensions.

Credibility 68% Manip. 10% Center
October 27, 2026
4 total
Mbappe apologises after comment about Chinese leader sparks sponsor fallout
Mbappe apologises after comment about Chinese leader sparks sponsor fallout

Al Jazeera • 27 Oct 13:19

French footballer Kylian Mbappe issued an apology for a remark that was interpreted as referencing a Chinese dictator, leading Chinese brands to terminate their contracts with him and prompting La Liga to issue a statement.

Credibility 72% Manip. 9% Center
Mbappe loses Chinese sponsorships after remarks about Mao
Mbappe loses Chinese sponsorships after remarks about Mao

Al Jazeera • 27 Oct 09:32

French footballer Kylian Mbappe was dropped by two major Chinese brands after a video showed him referring to Mao Zedong as a "Chinese dictator," prompting the companies to terminate their contracts.

Credibility 72% Manip. 12% Center
Chinese brands Dongpeng and Mengniu end partnerships with Kylian Mbappe after controversial video
Chinese brands Dongpeng and Mengniu end partnerships with Kylian Mbappe after controversial video

Yahoo Sports • 27 Oct 08:48

Two major Chinese companies terminated their agreements with footballer Kylian Mbappe following a video in which he appeared to joke about a Chinese leader, citing a zero-tolerance policy for actions that offend national sentiments.

Credibility 57% Manip. 9% Center
Chinese brands Dongpeng and Mengniu end partnerships with Kylian Mbappe over alleged Mao joke
Chinese brands Dongpeng and Mengniu end partnerships with Kylian Mbappe over alleged Mao joke

CNA • 27 Oct 04:30

Two major Chinese companies terminated their cooperation with football star Kylian Mbappe after a video surfaced in which he appeared to joke about Mao Zedong, prompting public backlash.

Credibility 68% Manip. 12% Center

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