started · updated
Kylian Mbappé faces Chinese boycott over Mao Zedong meme
French footballer Kylian Mbappé is facing a massive backlash in China after making comments about a meme that superimposed his face onto a portrait of Mao Zedong, whom he referred to as a “Chinese dictator.”
Despite public apologies from Mbappé, Real Madrid, and LaLiga, the controversy has triggered significant economic and social consequences. Chinese brands, including Mengniu, Milkground, and Eastroc Beverage, have terminated their partnerships with the player. Additionally, China Media Group suspended the broadcasting of LaLiga matches, and major gaming companies such as Tencent and NetEase have reportedly moved to remove Mbappé from football video games like FC Online.
In China, protesters have been filmed burning Mbappé jerseys and destroying advertisements featuring his image. The French Football Federation president, Philippe Diallo, has attempted to de-escalate the situation, stating that the player had no intention of insulting the Chinese people. Meanwhile, LaLiga president Javier Tebas has engaged with the Chinese ambassador to Spain to manage the crisis, which is estimated to impact potential annual endorsement revenues of approximately 22 million euros.
Entities
China · China Media Group · Kylian Mbappé · LaLiga · Mao Zedong · Philippe Diallo · Real Madrid · Tencent
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Philippe Diallo, President of the French Football Federation, stated that Mbappé did not intend to insult the Chinese people. www.stheadline.com · tuoitre.vn
- [● 7 SOURCES] Kylian Mbappé made comments regarding a meme that superimposed his face onto Mao Zedong. villaangelaprensa.com.ar · www.stheadline.com · www.uniradiosonora.com · www.larazon.es · www.contramuro.com · +2 more
- [● 6 SOURCES] Mbappé, Real Madrid, and LaLiga have issued public apologies. villaangelaprensa.com.ar · www.stheadline.com · www.uniradiosonora.com · www.contramuro.com · www.hoytamaulipas.net · +1 more
- [● 2 SOURCES] China's representative, Luo Ming, voted Mbappé in fifth place for the 2026 Ballon d'Or before the controversy occurred. www.elperiodico.digital · www.marca.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Chinese brands Mengniu, Milkground, and Eastroc Beverage have terminated their partnerships with Mbappé. tuoitre.vn
- [● 2 SOURCES] China Media Group suspended the broadcasting of LaLiga matches. villaangelaprensa.com.ar · tuoitre.vn
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Mbappé's annual endorsement income in China is approximately 22 million euros. www.stheadline.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Tencent and NetEase are making changes to remove Mbappé from football video games in China. www.larazon.es