A recent joke about Mao Zedong, the founder of the People's Republic of China, has led to severe consequences for French footballer Kylian Mbappé and his team, Real Madrid. On October 27, 2026, Chinese beverage company Dongpeng severed ties with Mbappé after he made a comment on a meme associating his face with Mao's image. The company stated that it has a zero-tolerance policy towards behavior that hurts national sentiments.
The incident began with a podcast in France where Mbappé mentioned the meme. Despite his apology in three languages, the damage was done. China's state-run media group, China Media Group (CMG), also suspended La Liga matches, in which Real Madrid participates. This move demonstrates that China's protection of its national symbols is not limited to its borders. The swift action taken by Dongpeng and CMG sends a strong message to the world.
Real Madrid initially defended Mbappé, but CMG rejected the club's stance, emphasizing that the team bears significant responsibility for the player's actions. The club later changed its tone, issuing an apology to the Chinese people for any inconvenience caused by Mbappé's comments. This shift in stance highlights the pressure exerted by Chinese authorities on the team and the league.
The Chinese government's strict stance on national symbols is rooted in its history and politics. Mao Zedong founded the People's Republic of China in 1949, and the current regime still relies heavily on his legacy. Mocking Mao is perceived as an attack on the regime's legitimacy, rather than just a joke. This incident is not isolated, as similar cases have occurred in the past.
In 2019, Chinese state broadcaster CCTV removed an Arsenal match from its schedule after Mesut Özil's comments on the Uyghurs. Athletes who have spoken out on Taiwan, Tibet, or Hong Kong have also lost Chinese partners. These incidents demonstrate that China's influence extends beyond its borders, and companies operating in the country must align with its values.
The speed at which Dongpeng, Mengniu, and Milkground announced their ruptures with Mbappé on October 27, underscores the importance of displaying allegiance to Beijing for companies operating in China. This incident serves as a warning to other companies and individuals who may consider making similar comments.
The Mbappé incident highlights the growing influence of China's nationalist sentiments on global affairs. As China continues to assert its presence on the world stage, its expectations for respect and loyalty from international partners and companies are becoming increasingly clear. The consequences of failing to meet these expectations, as seen in Mbappé's case, are severe.
Key points
- China's protection of national symbols is not limited to its borders.
- Companies operating in China must align with its values to avoid consequences.
- The incident highlights China's growing influence on global affairs.
