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86 stories in Sports · Updated live
Chinese Brands Terminate Mbappé Endorsements Over Mao Meme Remarks
On October 27, 2026, Dongpeng Beverage, Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy and Milkground terminated endorsement deals with Kylian Mbappé after a viral clip of his remarks about a meme depicting him as a Chinese dictator with Mao Zedong's likeness circulated in China. The backlash was triggered by perceived insult to Mao's legacy and national sentiment, prompting Xiaohongshu to suspend his account, apologies from Mbappé and La Liga, and Chinese state-level condemnation. The episode signals heightened commercial risk for foreign athletes and celebrities engaging the Chinese market, likely prompting greater caution in public commentary on political symbols.
Tampa Bay Rays Stave Off World Series Sweep With 4-3 Twelve-Inning Win Over Milwaukee Brewers
On October 27, 2026, the Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Milwaukee Brewers 4-3 in 12 innings in Game 4 of the World Series at Tropicana Field, trailing 3-0 in the series. The Rays trailed 3-2 after a Brewers solo home run in the top of the 12th, then scored three runs in the bottom half, aided by a throwing error and a walk-off single from pinch-hitter Ben Williamson. The Brewers still hold a commanding series lead and clinched the 2026 championship with a 4-1 win in Game 5 on October 28, securing their first franchise title.
Harry Kane Wins 2026 Ballon d'Or as First English Recipient Since Michael Owen in 2001
Harry Kane was named 2026 Ballon d'Or winner at a London ceremony on October 26, 2026, defeating Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal after scoring 73 goals for club and country in the 2025/26 season. The award follows a record-breaking campaign in which Kane scored 61 goals in 51 club appearances to help Bayern Munich secure a domestic double, recognised by voting journalists as the decisive individual output of the year. The result ends a 25-year wait for an English men's winner and is likely to reinforce Kane's standing as a leading figure in European football and England's leadership ahead of future international tournaments.
China Accepts Mbappe Apology After Mao Zedong Meme Remark Triggers Sponsor Exits and Broadcast Suspensions
On October 27 and 28, 2026, Kylian Mbappe issued a multilingual apology for a remark that compared a meme of him superimposed on Mao Zedong to a 'Chinese dictator,' and China's Foreign Ministry said it takes the apology seriously. The controversy escalated after the clip circulated in late October, prompting Chinese social media restrictions, withdrawals by at least three sponsors including Dongpeng, Mengniu, and Milkground, and CCTV suspension of La Liga broadcasts. The episode signals that Beijing will continue to apply commercial and media leverage against foreign celebrities and institutions that breach sensitivities around Mao and Chinese history, raising the likelihood that brands and sports bodies will tighten reputational risk controls in their China-facing partnerships.
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Brewers Defeat Rays 4-1 in Game 5 to Win First World Series Title
The Milwaukee Brewers defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 4-1 in Game 5 of the 2026 World Series at Tropicana Field on October 28, 2026, clinching the franchise's first championship. Jacob Misiorowski threw 5.2 scoreless innings before leaving with a right calf cramp, and the bullpen held the lead to secure the series. The result cements Misiorowski's standing as a leading NL Cy Young candidate and marks a franchise milestone for the Brewers.
Tampa Bay Rays Stave Off World Series Sweep With 4-3 Twelve-Inning Win Over Milwaukee Brewers
On October 27, 2026, the Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Milwaukee Brewers 4-3 in 12 innings in Game 4 of the World Series at Tropicana Field, trailing 3-0 in the series. The Rays trailed 3-2 after a Brewers solo home run in the top of the 12th, then scored three runs in the bottom half, aided by a throwing error and a walk-off single from pinch-hitter Ben Williamson. The Brewers still hold a commanding series lead and clinched the 2026 championship with a 4-1 win in Game 5 on October 28, securing their first franchise title.
Jackson Chourio Ties Babe Ruth Record With 10 Hits in First Four World Series Games
On October 28, 2026, Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Jackson Chourio tied Babe Ruth's 98-year-old MLB record by recording 10 hits through the first four games of the 2026 World Series against the Tampa Bay Rays. The feat was completed with a two-out double in the 12th inning of Game 4 at Tropicana Field, as the Brewers pursued their first franchise championship. The performance positions the 22-year-old Venezuelan as a leading World Series MVP candidate and a generational postseason talent for Milwaukee.
Chiefs Sign Justin Tucker to Practice Squad Amid Harrison Butker Accuracy Concerns
On October 28, 2026, the Kansas City Chiefs signed former Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker to their practice squad as a competitive option for the position. The move follows Harrison Butker's recent missed field goals and extra points, including two in a loss to the Seahawks, prompting the team to bring in a veteran with a career field goal percentage of 89.1%. The signing signals that Kansas City is prepared to test kicker competition in-season, though Butker remains on the active roster and no immediate replacement has been announced.