FROM BALLON D’OR RUNNER-UP TO CHINA’S BLACKLIST: MBAPPE LOSES SPONSORS OVER MAO MEME

The Mbappe Mao Zedong row has escalated into a diplomatic and commercial crisis.

Kylian Mbappe, La Liga president Javier Tebas and Real Madrid have all apologised to China after major brands dropped the star and state television halted La Liga broadcasts.

ValidViewNetwork reports that the storm began over a comment on an internet meme and has now reached sponsors, broadcasters and the league itself.

THE REMARK THAT STARTED IT

A clip circulated widely on social media on Monday, showing an interview with the French online talk show “The Bridge” from last spring.

Asked about his favourite meme of himself, Mbappe described a video of a man he thought was a Chinese dictator. The clip then showed his face superimposed on the blue-suited figure of Mao Zedong.

The meme gained prominence during the 2026 World Cup, when edited images likened the French captain to dictators.

BRANDS CUT TIES

Dongpeng, the drinks giant, said it was terminating all cooperation with Mbappe with immediate effect.

Mengniu, China’s largest dairy producer, did the same. “Dongpeng Beverage ends cooperation with Mbappe” topped Weibo’s trending list.

At least three Chinese companies have now cut ties with him.

RedNote said its content partnership with him ended on 31 December 2024 and that it would remove related promotional material. His RedNote account was barred from gaining new followers on Tuesday.

Chinese sports platform Dongqiudi also replaced his name in the 2026 Ballon d’Or ranking with a phrase meaning “this person does not exist.”

He finished second to England’s Harry Kane on Monday.

CCTV PULLS THE PLUG ON LA LIGA

State-run The Paper reported that public television was suspending La Liga broadcasts.

ValidViewNetwork gathered that China Media Group (CMG), which oversees CCTV, then announced the suspension of La Liga matches and all advertisements involving the player.

Spain’s official news agency reported that CCTV halted any match involving Mbappe and pulled his advertisements and video clips. CMG also demanded an apology from Mbappe and Real Madrid.

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THREE APOLOGIES

Mbappe called his comment ill-judged and said he now understands it hurt many people in China and Chinese communities worldwide.

He said he holds deep respect for the Chinese people and their history, and that he never intended offence.

Tebas apologised on behalf of La Liga and its clubs. He stressed that Mbappe’s comments were personal and did not reflect the league’s position. He recalled La Liga’s cooperative ties with Chinese authorities, sports institutions, broadcasters and supporters.

La Liga said it is working with its partners and institutional contacts in China to address the situation.

Real Madrid then issued its own official statement apologising for the fallout.

WHY MAO IS SO SENSITIVE

Mao led China for more than 25 years until his death in 1976. His legacy is deeply mixed, but the ruling party maintains that his achievements outweigh his mistakes.

The Mbappe Mao Zedong row is also a lesson in market risk. Mbappe has fronted Chinese campaigns for products ranging from electrolyte drinks to milk and cheese.

Nigerians know the pattern, because a careless remark can end an endorsement within days. The difference here is scale, because the fallout has reached a national broadcaster and an entire league.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

ValidViewNetwork can confirm that no timetable has been given for restoring La Liga broadcasts. AP said it was unable to reach Mbappe’s representatives for comment.

The Mbappe Mao Zedong row now tests whether three apologies are enough for China. ValidViewNetwork reports.