Kylian Mbappé has been dropped by several Chinese brands following comments he made about a meme involving Mao Zedong. The backlash highlights the sensitivity surrounding historical figures in China.

Kylian Mbappé is facing significant backlash in China after comments he made regarding a meme that references the late Chinese leader Mao Zedong. Several major Chinese brands have severed ties with the French football star as a result of this controversy.

During an appearance on the French talk show The Bridge, hosted by his Real Madrid teammate Aurélien Tchouaméni, Mbappé reportedly mentioned a meme featuring his face superimposed on an image resembling Mao. He described it as the funniest meme he had seen, but did not specify Mao's name. This lighthearted comment did not resonate well with Chinese audiences, leading to an uproar on social media.

Chinese social media users quickly criticized Mbappé, expressing that his remarks disrespected Chinese sentiments. Many pointed out the contradiction of his popularity in China, where he has substantial brand endorsements, while making comments perceived as offensive. The backlash intensified after the Chinese football forum Dongqiudi labeled his comments as inappropriate and hurtful.

In response to the growing outrage, brands such as Mengniu, a major dairy producer, and Dongpeng, a beverage company, announced their decision to cut ties with Mbappé. They issued statements emphasizing their zero-tolerance policy towards actions that offend national sentiments. As the controversy unfolds, it remains uncertain how this will impact Mbappé's endorsements and popularity in China moving forward.