Tensions Between Mbappé and China: Beijing Warns Football Industry

Kylian Mbappé, the French football superstar, faced backlash from Chinese authorities following comments made about Mao Zedong. This occurred after he missed out on the 2026 Ballon d'Or award on October 26, 2026. The remarks reportedly offended Beijing, which now poses a threat to both the player and his club sponsors, primarily Real Madrid.

The source of Beijing's ire stemmed from a video segment recorded in March during the online French talk show "The Bridge," hosted by his teammate Aurélien Tchouaméni. In this candid interview, Mbappé joked about being likened to a "Chinese dictator" amidst a discussion about memes. The edited video included images of Mao Zedong, whose features were superimposed onto Mbappé’s face. This segment resurfaced on October 26, coinciding with the Ballon d'Or announcement, prompting Chinese media outlet Dongqiudi to report on Mbappé's "inappropriate comments" that could offend China and its people, stating they could not translate the remarks.

Within hours of the video's release, on October 27, 2026, three Chinese sponsors ended their partnerships with Mbappé, including the energy drink brand Bushuila, a subsidiary of Dongpeng Group, and dairy companies Mengniu and Milkground. While Mbappé's major advertising income primarily derives from European and U.S. partnerships, the termination of these contracts risks indirect repercussions for him and Real Madrid. Later that day, state broadcaster CCTV announced it would no longer air Real Madrid matches or those from La Liga until further notice.

Vincent Chaudel, founder of the Sport Business Observatory, emphasized the significant impact of this controversy. He noted that Real Madrid aims to bolster its revenue, having exceeded a billion euros in turnover, heavily reliant on sponsorship contracts linked to the team’s marketability. China, with a population of 1.4 billion, represents a crucial market for such international sponsorships, which are vital for clubs and players seeking to expand their global reach.

Chaudel remarked on the broader implications of relying on cash from countries like China or Saudi Arabia, where financial contributions may influence Western perceptions and operations. He predicted that the relationships between Mbappé, his club, and Beijing would likely stabilize following his apology and that of Spanish league president Javier Tebas.

Ultimately, the situation serves as a warning to the global sports community about the potential consequences of criticizing the Chinese regime.