NewsWPLG Local 10October 27, 2026Miami-Dade County
Chinese companies cut endorsement ties with French soccer player Kylian Mbappé following remarks
Photo: WPLG Local 10
Beverage, dairy, and cheese companies in China ended their endorsement agreements with French soccer star Kylian Mbappé after an interview clip circulated online showing him apparently referring to Mao Zedong as a dictator. Social media platform RedNote also announced it ended its content partnership with Mbappé, while government and corporate representatives stated opposition to actions that hurt national sentiment.
Read the full story at WPLG Local 10Why It Matters
The commercial agreements and promotional campaigns for multiple major consumer brands in China featuring the athlete were terminated, and his social media presence on local platforms was restricted.
Key Facts
- At least three Chinese companies—beverage maker Dongpeng, dairy giant Mengniu, and cheese maker Milkground—ended their endorsement agreements with Kylian Mbappé.
- The corporate announcements followed the circulation of an interview clip from the French online talk show 'The Bridge' where Mbappé appeared to refer to a Chinese dictator.
- Social media platform RedNote announced it ended its content partnership with Mbappé on Dec. 31, 2024, and removed promotional materials.
- Mbappé's account on RedNote restricted new followers.
- China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated that words and actions hurting the feelings of the Chinese people face joint opposition.
- Hashtags regarding the canceled partnerships and consumer boycotts topped Weibo's trending list.
Who's Mentioned
OrganizationMilkground“Cheese maker that ended its agreement with Mbappé.”OrganizationThe Bridge“French online talk show where the interview took place.”locationChina“Country where the companies and platform operate and where ads were pulled.”PersonGuo Jiakun“Spokesperson for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.”OrganizationMengniu“Dairy giant that ended its agreement with Mbappé.”PersonMao Zedong“Founding leader of Communist China, referenced in the interview clip.”PersonLionel Messi“Argentine soccer star who appeared alongside Mbappé in an ad.”PersonKylian Mbappé“French soccer star whose endorsement deals were ended by Chinese companies.”PersonOlivia Zhang“Associated Press video producer who contributed to the report.”locationBeijing“Dateline location for the news report.”OrganizationRedNote“Social media platform that ended a content partnership with Mbappé.”OrganizationDongpeng“Beverage maker that ended its agreement with Mbappé.”OrganizationMinistry of Foreign Affairs“Chinese government ministry providing a statement on the controversy.”