Several major Chinese brands have dropped footballer Kylian Mbappé amid growing criticism over an alleged joke involving Mao Zedong, the former Chinese leader.
The controversy centres on an alleged comment in which Mbappé described as his favourite meme an image showing his face placed on that of a Chinese dictator. The remark has prompted a backlash in China, according to the supplied report.
The companies involved have not been named in the available material. It is also not clear when the alleged comment was made, where it was published or what specific commercial arrangements have been ended.
The reported withdrawals represent a reputational setback for Mbappé in the Chinese market. However, no further details have been provided about the brands’ decisions, their public explanations or the wider commercial impact.
The latest available information indicates that criticism is continuing and that major Chinese companies have moved away from their associations with the footballer. Further developments may depend on any response from Mbappé or the brands involved.
