# Chinese brands end Mbappé deals over backlash to unverified clips

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/mbappe-dropped-by-major-chinese-brands-drop-as-backlash-grows-over-mao-joke/
- Published: 2026-10-27T10:19:13+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-27T10:37:18+00:00
- Original publisher: BBC World (publisher lean: Centre)
- Original article: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cv62yg0erp8zo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss
- Topics: Sport, Trending, Weird & Viral, World

## Key points

- Chinese brands are cutting ties with Mbappé after a meme-related backlash.
- The circulating clips are unverified and do not name Mao.
- State media reportedly stopped showing La Liga matches.

## Summary

Chinese brands have begun ending partnerships with Kylian Mbappé after unverified clips appeared to show him joking about a meme depicting him as Mao Zedong. The backlash highlights the commercial risks for international stars when remarks are seen as disrespectful in China, a major market for sport and endorsements.

The clips circulated after football forum Dongqiudi called the comments inappropriate; Mbappé does not name Mao in the footage, and the original interview is unavailable. Dairy producer Mengniu and drinks company Dongpeng issued statements opposing conduct that hurts Chinese people’s feelings, while state media reportedly halted Mbappé-related coverage and La Liga broadcasts. China’s foreign ministry also commented, and five of Weibo’s top ten trending topics focused on Mbappé by 14:00 on Tuesday.

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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.