Kylian Mbappe and the expensive joke. He mocked Mao Zedong

Kylian Mbappe's comments about Mao Zedong led to the termination of his advertising contracts in China. His remarks during an interview, where he referred to Mao as a dictator, sparked outrage. Chinese media refrained from quoting his exact words, highlighting the sensitivity surrounding Mao's legacy. Following the backlash, Mbappe lost significant sponsorship deals worth over €6.5 million and faced bans on social media platforms. Despite his apologies, both he and Real Madrid issued statements expressing respect for China and its people. This incident underscores the intersection of sports and politics in the lucrative Chinese market.