Mbappe dropped by Chinese brands for ‘offending national sentiments’
French football star Kylian Mbappe has been dropped by major Chinese brands Dongpeng Beverage and Mengniu after a video surfaced of him joking about Mao Zedong. The companies cited a zero-tolerance policy toward behavior that offends national sentiments.
Why it matters
This incident highlights the significant risks international celebrities face when navigating China's strict political and cultural taboos, which can lead to immediate commercial fallout.
Mbappe dropped by Chinese brands for ‘offending national sentiments’ left A bus featuring French football star Kylian Mbappe for Dongpeng Beverage Group's "Bushuila" electrolyte drink is seen on a street in Shanghai on October 27, 2026. Kylian Mbappe was dropped on October 27 by two major brands in China after a video circulated online in which the French football star apparently joked about former leader Mao Zedong. AFP AFP https://th-i.thgim.com/public/news/national/8ygcd3/article71630238.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/AFP__20261027__D4J38CU__v1__HighRes__FblChinaAdvertisingPoliticsMbappe.jpg JADE GAO A bus featuring French football star Kylian Mbappe for Dongpeng Beverage Group's "Bushuila" electrolyte drink is seen on a street in Shanghai on October 27, 2026. Kylian Mbappe was dropped on October 27 by two major brands in China after a video circulated online in which the French football star apparently joked about former leader Mao Zedong.
Headlinne story · 4 newsrooms
Chinese Brands Drop Kylian Mbappe After Video References Mao Zedong
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