In China, Mbappé's remarks calling Mao a 'dictator' come at exorbitant financial cost

Kylian Mbappé faced backlash on social media after a resurfaced video where he joked about memes parodying him, including one likening him to Mao Zedong. Following the video’s circulation, comments on his Xiaohongshu account turned hostile, with users expressing anger and threats. His sponsors in China reacted quickly, with Bushuila announcing the termination of their partnership, citing harm to national sentiment. The controversy coincided with the Ballon d'Or ceremony, where Mbappé did not win the award, further fueling the negative sentiment.