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NewsWPLG Local 10October 27, 2026Miami-Dade County

Chinese companies cut endorsement ties with French soccer player Kylian Mbappé over remarks referencing Mao Zedong

Photo: WPLG Local 10

Beverage and dairy companies in China are terminating endorsement contracts with French soccer captain Kylian Mbappé after he referenced a Chinese dictator in an online interview clip. The companies cited opposition to actions that hurt national sentiment, while social media platform RedNote also removed promotional materials tied to the athlete.

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Why It Matters

The commercial agreements supporting a major international sports star's advertising campaigns in China are ending, affecting brand partnerships across beverage and dairy sectors.

Key Facts

  • At least three Chinese companies — beverage maker Dongpeng, dairy giant Mengniu, and cheese maker Milkground — announced they were ending endorsement agreements with Kylian Mbappé.
  • The companies released similarly worded statements stating they oppose words and actions that hurt national sentiment.
  • The decisions followed the circulation of an online interview clip from the French talk show 'The Bridge' where Mbappé referenced a Chinese dictator.
  • Online soccer fan culture previously circulated altered memes depicting Mbappé as Mao Zedong or other autocratic leaders.
  • China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated that actions hurting the feelings of the Chinese people face joint opposition from society.
  • Social media platform RedNote stated it ended a content partnership with Mbappé on Dec. 31, 2024, and would remove related promotional materials.
  • Hashtags regarding the brand cancellations and fan boycotts topped Weibo's trending list.

Who's Mentioned

locationFrance“Country of origin of soccer star Kylian Mbappé.”OrganizationMilkground“Cheese maker ending its agreement with Mbappé.”OrganizationThe Bridge“French online talk show where the interview took place.”locationChina“Country where ads, companies, and public reactions are centered.”PersonGuo Jiakun“Spokesperson for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.”OrganizationWeibo“Social media platform where hashtags regarding the controversy trended.”OrganizationMengniu“Dairy giant ending its agreement with Mbappé.”PersonMao Zedong“Founding leader of Communist China referenced in the interview clip.”PersonLionel Messi“Argentine soccer star appearing alongside Mbappé in an ad.”PersonKylian Mbappé“French soccer star whose endorsement deals are being ended.”PersonOlivia Zhang“Associated Press video producer who contributed to the report.”locationBeijing“City where the report originates and where AP producer contributed.”OrganizationRedNote“Social media platform ending its content partnership with Mbappé.”OrganizationDongpeng“Beverage maker ending its agreement with Mbappé.”OrganizationMinistry of Foreign Affairs“Chinese government ministry providing a statement on the controversy.”