Mbappe lost contracts with Chinese brands over words about Mao Zedong Kylian Mbappe lost contracts with Chinese brands after a careless statement. Referring to a meme with his image, he called Mao Zedong "the Chinese dictator" - without identifying the founder of the People's Republic of China in the photo. China Daily wrote that the soccer player "made fun of a revered historical figure in China," and he was heavily criticized on social media. The brands Manganiyo and Istrock Beverages announced the termination of cooperation: they "show zero tolerance for words that hurt the feelings of the Chinese people". Chinese state television suspended broadcasts of La Liga matches and removed advertisements featuring Mbappe. He apologized: "I have deep respect for the Chinese people and their history, and I am truly sorry." La Liga president Javier Tevez also apologized. The general manager of VM Partners Daria Moshta: "In Chinese culture, the key concept is "face", maintaining a reputation. Culture and ideology are based on historical symbols, so any insult causes such a reaction. The case is illustrative: Chinese culture is very receptive, criticism and public quarrels are unacceptable. There are many contradictions in the images of the world. One day, a drunk Russian customer spent the whole evening complimenting a Chinese woman and finally said: "Other Chinese girls are ugly, but you are beautiful." I didn't translate it - the Chinese partners would just get up, they have wives, mothers, sisters. Chinese culture likes manners, high-context interactions, non-verbal communication and rituals." How much Mbappe lost is unknown; The contract amounts were not disclosed. Forbes estimated his off-field earnings this year at $30 million.

Mbappe lost contracts with Chinese brands over words about Mao Zedong Kylian Mbappe lost contracts with Chinese brands after a careless statement. Referring to a meme with his image, he called Mao Zedong "the Chinese dictator" - without identifying the founder of the People's Republic of China in the photo. China Daily wrote that the soccer player "made fun of a revered historical figure in China," and he was heavily criticized on social media. The brands Manganiyo and Istrock Beverages announced the termination of cooperation: they "show zero tolerance for words that hurt the feelings of the Chinese people". Chinese state television suspended broadcasts of La Liga matches and removed advertisements featuring Mbappe. He apologized: "I have deep respect for the Chinese people and their history, and I am truly sorry." La Liga president Javier Tevez also apologized. The general manager of VM Partners Daria Moshta: "In Chinese culture, the key concept is "face", maintaining a reputation. Culture and ideology are based on historical symbols, so any insult causes such a reaction. The case is illustrative: Chinese culture is very receptive, criticism and public quarrels are unacceptable. There are many contradictions in the images of the world. One day, a drunk Russian customer spent the whole evening complimenting a Chinese woman and finally said: "Other Chinese girls are ugly, but you are beautiful." I didn't translate it - the Chinese partners would just get up, they have wives, mothers, sisters. Chinese culture likes manners, high-context interactions, non-verbal communication and rituals." How much Mbappe lost is unknown; The contract amounts were not disclosed. Forbes estimated his off-field earnings this year at $30 million.