Mbappe's Mao meme row

Sports · Heat 3.0 / 10 · 2 shows · 8m airtime

A video surfaced in late October 2026 showing Kylian Mbappe, in an interview, calling a meme of his face on Mao Zedong 'some guy, I think he's a Chinese dictator.' Two Chinese sponsors dropped him and La Liga broadcasts were pulled in China over the remarks. China's largest dairy producer and a major sports drink company severed ties with Mbappe. La Liga apologised, saying it deeply regretted his comments, and Mbappe has since apologised for what he called ill-judged comments, saying he understood they hurt many people in China.

How 2 podcasts covered it

1. Global News Podcast, 2026-10-27 (19:13 to 22:45)
   Explains the meme's origin and fallout
   Explains the meme's origin - Mbappe's dominance earning him the 'dictator' nickname - and why Mao remains elevated above other Chinese leaders, with his portrait over Tiananmen gate and mausoleum in the square. Notes the apology and sponsor and broadcast fallout.
   New angle: Two Chinese sponsors dropped Mbappe and La Liga broadcasts were pulled in China over the Mao meme video.
2. Morning Brew Daily, 2026-10-28 (7:37 to 12:05)
   Covers the apology and Chinese brand terminations
   Covers Mbappé's apology for the Mao meme and the Chinese backlash: brand terminations, Weibo trending numbers, a foreign ministry statement and a Global Times editorial, plus the spillover to On and LVMH. Stays with the reaction rather than any new filing or ruling.
   New angle: China's largest dairy producer and a major sports drink company severed ties with Mbappé.