Real Madrid striker Mbappe made a gesture at a press conference before the Champions League match against Inter Milan, recalling iconic moments from football and sports superstars, notably Cristiano Ronaldo and LeBron James.

According to Marca, during the press conference held at Real Madrid's Valdebebas training facility, Mbappe moved an energy drink bottle placed in front of him and replaced it with a bottle of water in its original position before the cameras.

This is not the first time Mbappe has done this. He has consistently demonstrated a clear stance on products placed next to him during camera appearances, particularly regarding alcoholic beverages, fast food, and drinks he does not wish to endorse.

Mbappe's action recalls Cristiano Ronaldo's famous moment during Euro 2020 in 2021.

The Portugal captain pushed away two soda bottles in front of him at a press conference, then picked up a water bottle and said: "Water, not this."

The moment went viral globally, becoming a notable example of how football superstars can influence the commercial image of events and their sponsors.

However, the practice of removing sponsor products from press conference tables did not begin with Ronaldo; it can actually be traced back to basketball, particularly American star LeBron James.

During the 2014 NBA Finals, LeBron experienced severe cramps during a game against the San Antonio Spurs. The league's partner subsequently posted a highly controversial message on social media, stating: "We're ready, but the player cramping is not drinking our product."

Since then, LeBron has repeatedly been noted covering or moving product logos in front of him at press conferences, which has also been linked to his endorsement deals with rival brands.

Other basketball stars such as Kawhi Leonard and Klay Thompson have similarly taken the same approach with sponsor products.

According to Marca, Mbappe's action reflects his strong emphasis on protecting his image rights and his stance on commercially associated products.

The French striker also drew attention at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Because he did not want his image associated with alcoholic beverages, gambling, and certain food and fast food products, he deliberately avoided appearing prominently in front of the official sponsors of the "Player of the Match" award.

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