French football star Kylian Mbappe has reportedly lost Chinese sponsorship deals following a controversial comment in which he referred to Mao Zedong as a "Chinese dictator." The incident has sparked significant backlash in China, where Mao is a revered historical figure and the founding father of the People's Republic.
The controversy stems from a remark in which Mbappe stated that the funniest internet meme he had seen was one featuring his face superimposed on the image of the late Chinese leader. According to reports, the player described the meme as involving "a Chinese dictator," a characterization that has been widely criticized in Chinese media and social circles.
As a result of the uproar, major Chinese brands have moved to distance themselves from the footballer. While specific contract details were not disclosed in the initial reports, the loss of these partnerships represents a significant financial and reputational setback for the athlete in one of the world's largest consumer markets.
Mao Zedong, who led China from the late 1940s until his death in 1976, remains a central figure in the country's national identity and political narrative. References to him are subject to strict cultural and political sensitivities, making such comparisons highly inflammatory for Chinese audiences.
Mbappe, who is currently playing for Real Madrid, has not issued a formal public apology for the comment. The situation highlights the increasing complexity of global sports marketing, where athletes must navigate diverse cultural expectations and political landscapes to maintain their commercial viability.
<small>Source: Al Jazeera — read the original story there.</small>
