# Mbappe's Mao meme row

Sports · Heat 2.9 / 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.

Page: https://boilpoints.com/point/mbappes_mao_meme_row_4068372032

## Segments

- [Global News Podcast](https://boilpoints.com/u/globalnewspodcast), 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.
- [Morning Brew Daily](https://boilpoints.com/u/morningbrewdaily), 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.