Dongpeng and Mengniu end Mbappé partnerships after China backlash

Chinese companies Dongpeng Beverage and Mengniu have ended their commercial partnerships with Kylian Mbappé following controversy over a video circulating online. Shangguan News, in a report carried by Sina on Tuesday, October 27, said both companies had announced that their cooperation with the Real Madrid forward would stop immediately. The decisions turn the online dispute into a concrete change to his endorsement portfolio.

Dongpeng issued its announcement through its official Weibo account, saying it opposed behaviour that offended national sentiment. Mengniu separately said it would not tolerate words or actions that hurt Chinese people's feelings. Shangguan News also reported that Dongpeng's electrolyte-drink brand Bushuila announced an end to its own cooperation with Mbappé, whom it had unveiled as a brand ambassador in April.

The controversy concerns a clip in which Mbappé appears to discuss an internet meme placing his face on a Chinese dictator's body. Spanish outlet elDiario.es reported on Monday that the exchange came from The Bridge, a programme hosted by fellow footballer Aurélien Tchouaméni. AFP said its fact-checking team could not immediately authenticate the video. That limitation remains important when describing the footage and attributing remarks to the player.

According to elDiario.es, social-media users had called on Chinese brands to cancel their advertising agreements with Mbappé before Tuesday's announcements. The outlet also reported that football platform Dongqiudi criticised the remarks in a statement. The criticism therefore preceded the companies' decisions; it was not itself confirmation that endorsement contracts had already ended.

The developments follow a separate, major change in Mbappé's commercial career last month. Reuters reported on September 18 that he had left Nike after a partnership lasting two decades and signed with Swiss sportswear company On. The arrangement included cash and equity, according to On, but its financial terms were not disclosed.

Reuters said the signing formed part of On's expansion into football, with its first boots planned for 2027 and Thierry Henry appointed director of football. Nike, whose relationship with Mbappé began in 2006, acknowledged his departure and wished him success. Those previously reported details concern his sportswear agreement, distinct from the Chinese beverage partnerships terminated on Tuesday.