Soccer Star Mbappé Loses Chinese Sponsorship Deals Amid Mao Zedong Meme Backlash

Kylian Mbappé has lost three Chinese sponsorship deals following a viral video clip where he appeared to describe Mao Zedong as a Chinese dictator. The French striker, currently ranked third on the Forbes list of highest-paid soccer stars, faced significant backlash over the remark. Additionally, Chinese state television has suspended the broadcast of LaLiga matches. These developments follow the widespread circulation of the meme that triggered the reaction from sponsors and media outlets.