Business · Bangladesh Bureau
Mbappé loses Chinese sponsorship deals over Mao Zedong joke
French football star Kylian Mbappé has seen Chinese companies terminate sponsorship agreements following controversy over an apparent joke referencing former Chinese leader Mao Zedong. The incident has triggered a significant backlash in China, where such comments are considered highly sensitive.
LSN Bangladesh ·
Multiple Chinese sponsors have ended their partnerships with Paris Saint-Germain forward Mbappé after he reportedly made a comment perceived as mocking Mao Zedong, the founding father of the People's Republic of China. The remark, which emerged on social media, sparked immediate criticism among Chinese audiences and prompted swift corporate action.
Chinese state media and online platforms amplified the controversy, with commentators labeling the incident as disrespectful to Chinese history and values. The backlash reflects heightened sensitivities in China regarding historical figures, particularly Mao, whose legacy remains a defining aspect of national identity for many citizens.
The termination of sponsorship deals represents a substantial financial loss for Mbappé, as Chinese corporate partners have become increasingly significant in international sports marketing. Several major brands suspended their endorsement agreements within days of the controversy emerging.
The incident underscores the challenges global athletes and brands face when navigating cultural sensitivities across different markets. Sports figures operating internationally must exercise caution regarding historical references that could be perceived as offensive in specific cultural contexts, particularly in major markets like China where such matters carry considerable weight.
Photo: Kylian Mbappé celebrates during France v Sweden at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, June 2026. Bryan Berlin via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).