Kylian Mbappe predictably bends the knee after losing Chinese sponsors for laughing at meme of dictator Mao
Kylian Mbappe has apologised after laughing at a meme that placed his face on an image resembling Mao Zedong, prompting a backlash in China. The response has included Chinese sponsors ending ties with him and state television reportedly halting broadcasts of Real Madrid and other La Liga matches.
The meme came up during an interview on a French talk show hosted by Mbappe’s teammate Aurélien Tchouaméni. Eastroc Beverage Group, China Mengniu Dairy and Dongpeng have reportedly cut ties with him, while his accounts on Chinese social media platforms were frozen. La Liga also apologised, saying Mbappe’s comments were made in a personal capacity; the episode recalls the NBA’s 2019 dispute with China after a post supporting Hong Kong protesters.
In short
- Mbappe apologised for laughing at a meme involving Mao.
- Chinese brands ended sponsorship ties with the footballer.
- State TV reportedly stopped showing La Liga matches.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Chinese sponsors and broadcasters can reasonably argue that they should respond to public reaction in a major market and protect their reputations, especially where a joke involving a revered and politically sensitive historical figure is seen as disrespectful. Mbappe’s apology and La Liga’s clarification recognise that public figures’ remarks can have consequences beyond their intended audience.
The case against
Critics can reasonably argue that laughing at a meme is not the same as endorsing a political position, and that ending sponsorships or restricting broadcasts and social media accounts is a disproportionate response. They may also see the episode as pressure on international sport to avoid expression that displeases Chinese authorities, raising concerns about censorship and the freedom to speak across borders.
Explained simply
Mao Zedong led the Chinese Communist Party to power in 1949 and ruled China until his death in 1976. His image remains prominent in China, where public discussion of the country’s leaders and history is closely regulated.
Kylian Mbappe is a French footballer who plays for Real Madrid in Spain’s La Liga. International brands often pay high-profile athletes to promote their products, while Spanish football matches also have commercial and media partners in China.
The episode touches on the risks for global sports figures and businesses when political symbols or comments cause offence in China. A dispute involving the NBA in 2019, after a team official expressed support for Hong Kong protesters, also led to strained ties with Chinese broadcasters and sponsors.