Overview
- A clip of Kylian Mbappé referencing a meme that placed his face on a Chinese dictator went viral and drew sharp criticism from Chinese users and institutions on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.
- Three Chinese firms — Dongpeng, Mengniu and Milkground — announced immediate termination of their advertising deals with Mbappé, and several platforms restricted or removed his content.
- China’s state broadcaster CCTV suspended LaLiga transmissions that involve Mbappé and removed his ads from its air, a move that affects Spain’s league exposure in a key market.
- Mbappé issued apologies in Chinese, French and English and LaLiga and its president Javier Tebas also apologized and said they are working with partners in China to manage the fallout.
- Official pressure is continuing: the Chinese Foreign Ministry condemned the remarks and one report says the Chinese Football Association lodged a protest with Real Madrid, leaving commercial losses and broadcast arrangements in flux.