Kylian Mbappé joked about China's mythical leader – and paid dearly

Kylian Mbappé lost sponsorship deals with two major Chinese brands, Dongfeng and Mengniu, after a joke about Mao Zedong sparked outrage. The companies announced an immediate termination of the collaboration due to 'zero tolerance' for harming national sentiments.

Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappé lost sponsorship deals with two major Chinese brands, beverage giant Dongfeng and dairy manufacturer Mengniu, after a joke about former leader Mao Zedong sparked outrage. In a video circulated on social media, Mbappé was heard referring to an internet meme where his face was superimposed on an image of 'some guy – I think he's a Chinese dictator'. In China, jokes about the founder of the People's Republic are considered taboo. The companies announced an immediate termination of the collaboration, stating 'zero tolerance' for harming national sentiments. The case highlights the economic risk for global stars in the Chinese market, referencing the past incident of the Houston Rockets from the NBA.