Chinese Companies Cut Ties With Mbappé After Mao Zedong Comments
Chinese companies are cutting ties with French soccer star Kylian Mbappé after he made comments perceived as referring to Mao Zedong as a dictator. Mbappé's image has been featured in ads across China.
Panama City, FL, October 27, 2026 —
Chinese companies are cutting ties with French soccer star Kylian Mbappé after comments he made were perceived as referring to Mao Zedong as a dictator. Mbappé’s image has appeared in advertisements across China, giving the companies’ response a commercial dimension.
The information available does not identify the companies involved, specify how many have ended their relationships with Mbappé, or describe what steps they have taken. It also does not provide the date, setting or exact wording of his comments. The remarks are described as being perceived as referring to Mao Zedong in that way; no direct quotation is provided.
That distinction leaves unclear whether the companies cited the comments as their reason for ending ties or whether other factors were involved. The reported change in business relationships is clear, but the precise scope and timing of the decisions have not been provided.
Mbappé’s image has been featured in ads across China, according to the summary of the trend. However, it does not name the brands or products involved, say whether particular advertisements have been withdrawn, or indicate whether any companies have issued public statements. No financial effects or other consequences are specified.
As a result, the available account establishes that companies in China are cutting ties with Mbappé following comments that were interpreted as referring to Mao Zedong as a dictator, but leaves key details about the companies, the comments and the actions taken unreported.
Story summarized from the original created by E. EDUARDO CASTILLO, Associated Press on www.mypanhandle.com, see more information here.
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