Mbappé Faces Backlash in China Over Controversial Comments
Kylian Mbappé is in the eye of a storm after making comments that many in China have deemed offensive. The French football star allegedly referred to Mao Zedong as a "Chinese dictator" during an appearance on a French talk show, sparking outrage across Chinese social media.
During the episode of The Bridge, hosted by his Real Madrid teammate Aurélien Tchouaméni, Mbappé reportedly shared a meme that featured his face superimposed on an image resembling Mao. While he didn’t name Mao directly, the reference was clear enough to incite backlash, especially given Mao's complex legacy in China.
The backlash gained momentum after Chinese football forum Dongqiudi labeled Mbappé's remarks as "inappropriate" and expressed that they hurt Chinese sentiments. Screenshots and clips of the interview quickly circulated, prompting calls for boycotts against both the player and Real Madrid.
As the uproar intensified, several major Chinese brands swiftly cut ties with the footballer. Mengniu, China’s largest dairy producer, stated its firm opposition to any comments that offend the Chinese people, while Dongpeng, a drinks giant, echoed similar sentiments.
State media has joined the fray, with reports indicating that CCTV will no longer feature content related to Mbappé, and the broadcaster may stop airing La Liga matches altogether. The French striker has long been popular in China and has benefitted from lucrative endorsements, making this backlash particularly impactful.
By midday Tuesday, discussions about Mbappé dominated Weibo, with the hashtag about brand partnerships ending with him trending. One comment even warned him to "never come to China" again, reflecting the strong sentiments of many users.
While a few users have defended Mbappé, such voices are rare in a country where online discussions are closely monitored. The sensitive nature of Mao’s legacy makes this situation even more volatile, as he is seen as a revered figure despite the tumultuous history of his rule.
Mao's tenure was marked by events like the Great Leap Forward, which caused widespread famine, and the Cultural Revolution, a brutal campaign against perceived threats to Communist ideology. His death in 1976 marked a significant shift for China, yet he remains a symbol of the Communist Party’s narrative, making comments or jokes about him highly sensitive.
It’s unclear when the meme featuring Mbappé first gained traction, but his nickname, "the dictator," has often been the subject of humor across social media. This isn’t the first time he’s found himself in a comedic light; he previously sued a French influencer for using his name in a sandwich description, further fueling the meme culture surrounding him.
Despite the playful nature of many memes, Mbappé himself acknowledged that they can sometimes reflect a troubling lack of political awareness. As this situation unfolds, it’s a stark reminder of the intricacies international athletes must navigate in a globalized world.
