French football player Kylian Mbappe has encountered a significant commercial setback as three Chinese companies have terminated their partnerships with him. This decision follows a viral video in which he allegedly referred to Mao Zedong, the former Chinese leader, as a dictator.

The affected companies include Dongpeng Beverage, Mengniu Dairy, and Milkground, all of which announced their decisions on Tuesday. The backlash originated from a video that circulated widely on Chinese social media, where users accused the France national team captain of disrespecting national sentiments.

Dongpeng Beverage stated it had a zero-tolerance policy towards behaviour that offends national feelings, prompting an immediate end to its partnership with Mbappe. Similarly, Mengniu and Milkground issued statements expressing their opposition to any words or actions that could hurt the sentiments of the Chinese populace.

Details of the Controversy

The controversy stems from a video in which Mbappe discussed internet memes that featured his face superimposed on images of historical figures. During the discussion, he reportedly mentioned a meme depicting him alongside “some guy – I think he’s a Chinese dictator.” This remark was widely interpreted as a reference to Mao Zedong, who was the founding leader of the People’s Republic of China and passed away in 1976.

Although the authenticity of the video has not been independently verified, it has triggered a considerable backlash on social media platforms, particularly Weibo. The topic of Dongpeng ending its association with Mbappe trended, with some users demanding that brands remove his image from their products.

This reaction highlights the sensitivity surrounding Mao’s legacy in China, where public criticism or jokes about the former leader can lead to strong negative responses. Mbappe, who is 27 years old, had previously enjoyed considerable popularity among Chinese football fans, and his commercial appeal extended well beyond the football pitch.

The incident has also reignited scrutiny regarding the memes that depict him as authoritarian figures. In a prior interview with France Football in September, Mbappe acknowledged that some memes were intended as humour but expressed discomfort with being compared to historical figures associated with mass suffering.

Impact on Mbappe’s Career

The recent developments underscore the commercial risks that international sports stars encounter when their remarks are perceived as offensive in significant markets. For Mbappe, the loss of partnerships in China comes at a time when he remains one of the most recognisable figures in football globally. The termination of these sponsorships could have lasting implications for his brand image and commercial viability.

This controversy follows a notable evening at the Ballon d’Or ceremony held in London on Monday, where Mbappe finished second in the men’s voting. He was surpassed by England captain Harry Kane, who made history as the first Englishman to win the award in 25 years. Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal secured the third position in the voting.

Kane’s victory came after an impressive 2025-26 season, during which he scored 73 goals for both club and country, assisting Bayern Munich in retaining the Bundesliga title as part of a domestic treble. Meanwhile, Mbappe’s second-place finish has been overshadowed by the controversy surrounding his comments in China, complicating what should have been a celebratory moment in his career.

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