BUSINESS

Chinese Sponsors Drop Mbappé Over Podcast Remarks

Published: Oct. 28, 2026 12:29 a.m. GMT+8

00:00

00:00/00:00

Listen to this article 1x

Kylian Mbappé. Photo: VCG

French soccer star Kylian Mbappé is facing a major commercial crisis in China after controversial remarks on a podcast prompted Chinese brands to cut ties with him and state broadcaster CCTV reportedly to suspend La Liga broadcasts and other matches involving him.

Dongpeng Beverage Group Co. Ltd., Mengniu Dairy Co. Ltd. and cheese maker Shanghai Milkground Food Tech Co. Ltd. said they were ending their partnerships with the Real Madrid forward, effective immediately. His official accounts on Chinese social-media platforms Xiaohongshu and Weibo have also been restricted from posting.

You've accessed an article available only to subscribers

Subscribe today for just $.99.

VIEW OPTIONS

Unlock exclusive discounts with a Caixin group subscription — ideal for teams and organizations.

Subscribe to both Caixin Global and Bloomberg - for the price of one.

Share this article

Open WeChat and scan the QR code

DIGEST HUB

Digest Hub

Back

Explore the story in 30 seconds

Chinese brands Dongpeng, Mengniu, and Milkground terminated partnerships with Mbappé after his podcast remarks; his Xiaohongshu and Weibo accounts restricted.
CCTV suspended La Liga broadcasts and ads featuring him since Oct. 26; Mbappé apologized on Oct. 27.
Expert Sun Shanhang says his commercial value in China is now virtually zero; La Liga expressed regret.

AI generated, for reference only

Who’s Who

Dongpeng Beverage Group Co. Ltd.: Dongpeng Beverage Group Co. Ltd. is a Chinese company that ended its partnership with footballer Kylian Mbappé following his controversial remarks. It had signed him in April as ambassador for its Bushuila electrolyte drink, which became a strategic partner for China Media Group's 2026 World Cup broadcasts. Dongpeng reported over 6.69 million interactions and 93.6 billion aggregate brand reach from the campaign.

Mengniu Dairy Co. Ltd.: According to the article, Mengniu Dairy Co. Ltd. ended its partnership with French soccer star Kylian Mbappé effective immediately, following his controversial podcast remarks that offended Chinese people. This decision was part of a broader backlash where Chinese brands cut ties with the player, whose commercial value in China reportedly fell to nearly zero.

Shanghai Milkground Food Tech Co. Ltd.: Shanghai Milkground Food Tech Co. Ltd. is a cheese maker that ended its partnership with French soccer star Kylian Mbappé effective immediately, following his controversial podcast remarks that hurt Chinese sentiments. The company was among several Chinese brands, including Dongpeng Beverage and Mengniu Dairy, that cut ties with the Real Madrid forward.

Xiaohongshu: Xiaohongshu is a Chinese social-media platform where Mbappé had official accounts, which were restricted from posting after his controversy. The platform, which collaborated with Mbappé in 2024, has since ended its partnership with him. It is currently reviewing and removing related promotional materials to comply with the public backlash.

Weibo: Weibo is a major Chinese social-media platform mentioned in the article. Following Mbappé's controversial podcast remarks, his official Weibo account was restricted from posting, reflecting the broader backlash from Chinese brands and state media over his comments.

Nike: According to the article, Nike partnered with Kylian Mbappé from age nine, a relationship lasting nearly two decades. As his contract neared expiration in 2026, Nike reportedly offered over €20 million ($22 million) annually to retain him, but he chose Swiss brand On instead.

On: On is a Swiss sportswear brand that entered soccer in September with Kylian Mbappé as its global brand ambassador. He chose On over Nike's €20 million annual offer. Mbappé will collaborate with On's product team to develop soccer footwear and apparel, focusing on athletic performance and contemporary design. As of publication, On had not commented on Mbappé's China controversy.

AI generated, for reference only

What Happened When