By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Le Monde
Kylian Mbappé’s comments about Mao Zedong have led Chinese sponsors to withdraw and prompted a reaction from China’s foreign ministry. The controversy could prove costly for Real Madrid, for which China is the biggest market, reports Le Monde.
Kylian Mbappé, the French Real Madrid forward, has apologised after calling Mao Zedong a “dictator” in a video that went viral in China. Chinese companies Dongpeng, Mengniu and Milkground immediately terminated their advertising contracts with him, according to AFP as cited by L’essentiel.
🇨🇳 China · Source: L’essentiel ·
Three Chinese companies, including drinks group Dongpeng, have cancelled their advertising contracts with Kylian Mbappé after a video circulated in which the French footballer appears to joke about Mao Zedong. The controversy has prompted an outcry in China, TelQuel reports.
🇨🇳 China · Source: Telquel ·
Chinese brands Dongpeng, an energy drink maker, and Mengniu, a dairy company, have ended their partnerships with Kylian Mbappé. They cited a video in which the French football star joked about Mao Zedong, remarks considered offensive to Chinese national sentiment, France 24 reports.
🇨🇳 China · Source: France 24 ·
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei says the outcome of Israel’s legislative elections will not change Tehran’s position. He made the remarks during his weekly press briefing on Monday 26 October, as Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu faces a closely contested electoral race, reports the Daily Post.
🇮🇷 Iran · Source: Daily Post ·
Harry Kane wins the 2026 Ballon d’OrEngland striker Harry Kane, a Bayern Munich player, wins the Ballon d’Or after a record-breaking season. The text also says that Alexia Putellas won the women’s award, according to France 24.The week in Africa
Be the first to get our letter in English: the essentials from every region of the continent, free.
