Mengniu and Dongpeng Cut Ties With Kylian Mbappe Over Meme

Mengniu and Dongpeng have terminated their commercial agreements with French forward Kylian Mbappe following a public relations crisis in China. The two companies, which represent major sectors of the domestic food and beverage market, moved to distance themselves from the player after viral clips surfaced showing him discussing a popular internet joke. The meme places Mbappe's face onto a portrait of Mao Zedong, the founding leader of the People's Republic. In the footage from a French talk show, the 28-year-old described the image as his favorite, noting that it makes him laugh and that he shares it often with friends. Although he did not say the name Mao aloud, the visual context was unmistakable to Chinese viewers.

The controversy ignited after the football forum Dongqiudi published a commentary on Monday night. The platform labeled the remarks as inappropriate and claimed they wounded the feelings of the Chinese public. This assessment triggered a swift backlash across social media, with users criticizing the athlete for earning revenue in China while making what many perceived to be insensitive comments. The original video has since been removed from the show's YouTube channel, but screenshots of the segment have continued to circulate widely.

Government officials joined the conversation to frame the issue as a matter of national sentiment. Lin Jian, a spokesperson for the foreign ministry, stated that the ministry had noted the reports. He emphasized that words and actions which hurt the feelings of the Chinese people naturally face opposition from all parts of society. Neither Mbappe nor the television program has issued an official statement addressing the specific incident.

The commercial fallout extends beyond the initial brand announcements. Mengniu, the nation's largest dairy producer, declared a zero-tolerance policy toward actions that injure national feelings. Dongpeng, a major drinks company, used similar language to oppose behavior that offends national sentiments. While neither firm explicitly referenced the video in their official releases, the timing of the decisions aligns directly with the viral spread of the comments.

State media has also adjusted its coverage to reflect the shift in public mood. Reports indicate that the state broadcaster CCTV is pausing the airing of La Liga matches. Content related to the French striker has been stripped from the news applications operated by the state network. These moves suggest the incident has affected the player's visibility in the country beyond just corporate sponsorship.

Mbappe has long been associated with the nickname the dictator due to his commanding style of play. This moniker has made him a frequent subject of online humor. In 2024, he sued a French influencer for using his name in a food description, an event that reinforced his image as an authoritative figure. During the 2026 World Cup, teammate Ousmane Dembele played into the trend by calling Mbappe Mobut, referencing a former Congolese leader. In a September interview with France Football, Mbappe acknowledged the humor in such comparisons but noted that they sometimes reveal a lack of political awareness.

The player explained that while some comparisons are lighthearted, others are less funny given the historical damage caused by such leaders. He expressed his belief that he has not made millions of people miserable in his life, a sentiment that now sits at the center of a commercial dispute.