# Kylian Mbappe predictably bends the knee after losing Chinese sponsors for laughing at meme of dictator Mao

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/kylian-mbappe-predictably-bends-the-knee-after-losing-chinese-sponsors-for-laughing-at-meme-of-dictator-mao/
- Published: 2026-10-27T14:58:01+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-27T15:40:45+00:00
- Original publisher: Fox News (publisher lean: Far right)
- Original article: https://www.foxnews.com/outkick-sports/kylian-mbappe-bends-knee-losing-chinese-sponsors-laughing-meme-dictator-mao
- Topics: Trending, Weird & Viral, World

## Key points

- 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.

## Summary

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.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.