At least three Chinese companies are cutting ties with Kylian Mbappe after he appeared to refer to Mao Zedong, the founder of the People's Republic of China, as a dictator.
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5 outlets
See how this story developed, hour by hour
Memes, Mao and Mbappé: Chinese brands drop soccer star in fury over ‘dictator’ joke
nbcnews.com
27.10.2026
Kylian Mbappé dropped by Chinese brands over ‘dictator’ comment
politico.eu
27.10.2026
Mbappe dropped by Chinese brands for ‘offending national sentiments’
japantimes.co.jp
27.10.2026
Kylian Mbappe apologises after ‘dictator’ comment angers Chinese fans
aljazeera.com
27.10.2026
Kylian Mbappé dropped by Chinese brands for ‘offending national sentiments’
theguardian.com
27.10.2026
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