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Kylian Mbappe faces China backlash as major sponsors cut ties over Mao Zedong meme
Summarised by MatchPal
Mbappe lost at least three major Chinese sponsors after appearing to reference Mao Zedong as a dictator on an online chat show.
Kylian Mbappe has faced a significant backlash in China, losing at least three major sponsors following comments made during an online chat show appearance. The Paris Saint-Germain forward seemingly referred to Mao Zedong as a dictator, remarks that triggered a strong reaction from Chinese brands and the public. The sponsorship losses represent a notable financial and reputational impact for the player in one of the world's largest markets.
Summary by MatchPal from the original report at mirror.co.uk. Reporting and images belong to the source.
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UK timesStrong9 reports from 7 outlets. First reported by The Guardian, 06:24.
- ESPN
- The Guardian
- RMC Sport
- The Independent
- Mundo Deportivo
- Corriere dello Sport
- Mirror
- Chinese brands drop Mbappé after comment about 'Chinese dictator' memESPN
- Kylian Mbappe faces China backlash as major sponsors cut ties over Mao Zedong memeMirrorThis article
- Mbappé-China row: new boycott as state TV suspends La Liga broadcastsRMC Sport
- Several Chinese brands cut ties with Mbappé after dictator meme commentsThe Independent
- Chinese state TV suspends La Liga broadcasts over Mbappé Mao Zedong meme controversyMundo Deportivo
4 more reports
- Chinese companies abandon Mbappé over meme joke about Mao ZedongCorriere dello Sport
- Mbappé-Mao row escalates as Chinese government condemns France captainRMC Sport
- Mbappé loses two Chinese sponsorships over Mao Zedong jokeRMC Sport
- Kylian Mbappé dropped by Chinese brands for 'offending national sentiments'The Guardian
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