French footballer Kylian Mbappé has lost commercial partnerships in China after comments interpreted as calling Mao Zedong a dictator, 読売新聞 reports. On October 27, beverage company Dongpeng and dairy group Mengniu were among several Chinese firms that announced they had ended cooperation with the Real Madrid player.
According to the Hong Kong newspaper Ming Pao, cited by 読売新聞, Mbappé appeared on a French talk show and was asked which internet meme featuring his face he liked. He named an image that placed his face on the body of what he described as a Chinese dictator. The remark was taken as a reference to Mao, the founder of the People's Republic of China.
Mocking Mao is treated as taboo in China. Dongpeng, which had used Mbappé in advertising for its soft drinks, said it would not tolerate any conduct that offends national sentiment, according to 読売新聞. Other Chinese companies issued similar statements.
NHK reported that Mbappé released an apology over the social media remark, and football outlet Soccer King quoted him saying he was sincerely sorry amid the fallout from the terminated Chinese sponsor deals.
The episode shows how quickly commercial relationships in the Chinese market can be withdrawn over remarks about the country's political history. What remains to be seen is whether more Chinese brands follow the companies that have already cut ties, and whether Mbappé's apology limits the damage to his endorsement portfolio in the region.
