The Chinese government publicly responds to an online video by the French footballer, adding to the termination of three commercial partnerships in the country.
The Chinese government hardened its tone toward Kylian Mbappé on Tuesday, October 27, following the circulation online of a video in which the French football star appears to joke about Mao Zedong, founding figure of the People's Republic of China.
Asked about the matter, Beijing said the reaction it has provoked reflects a sentiment shared by all Chinese people. Authorities described this rejection as "common" to the population, presenting the controversy as an issue touching on national identity rather than a simple sporting dispute.
The context is delicate for the player. A few days earlier, several commercial partners operating in China had ended their collaboration with him. The video in question, whose exact authenticity and reach are not detailed in the available information, quickly spread across Chinese social media, amplifying the pressure.
The episode illustrates the particular sensitivity of subjects linked to China's political history, whose public representation is closely controlled. Foreign personalities, especially those whose image is commercialized on a large scale, can find themselves exposed to official reactions when a remark or gesture is perceived as an affront to the memory of historical leaders.
At this stage, the available information does not establish whether Kylian Mbappé has publicly responded or whether further measures will be taken against him. The situation is being closely watched by observers of football and sports marketing, who gauge the economic stakes that the Chinese market represents for major international stars.
Asked about the matter, Beijing said the reaction it has provoked reflects a sentiment shared by all Chinese people. Authorities described this rejection as "common" to the population, presenting the controversy as an issue touching on national identity rather than a simple sporting dispute.
The context is delicate for the player. A few days earlier, several commercial partners operating in China had ended their collaboration with him. The video in question, whose exact authenticity and reach are not detailed in the available information, quickly spread across Chinese social media, amplifying the pressure.
The episode illustrates the particular sensitivity of subjects linked to China's political history, whose public representation is closely controlled. Foreign personalities, especially those whose image is commercialized on a large scale, can find themselves exposed to official reactions when a remark or gesture is perceived as an affront to the memory of historical leaders.
At this stage, the available information does not establish whether Kylian Mbappé has publicly responded or whether further measures will be taken against him. The situation is being closely watched by observers of football and sports marketing, who gauge the economic stakes that the Chinese market represents for major international stars.
Advertisement
Source: Ouest-France