Major Chinese brands drop Mbappé as backlash grows over Mao joke

Major Chinese brands have terminated partnerships with professional footballer Kylian Mbappé following public backlash regarding a comment he allegedly made about a meme depicting his face on a Chinese dictator. The controversy centers on the perceived disrespect toward historical figures in China, leading to significant commercial repercussions for the athlete.

The incident has prompted a swift reaction from corporate sponsors in the Chinese market. As the situation develops, the focus remains on the impact of the athlete's reported remarks on his professional standing and brand endorsements within the region.