Mbappé Says Viral Dictator Memes Show Lack of Political Awareness

Kylian Mbappé has addressed viral memes portraying him in military uniform as a dictator, saying he understands the humor but believes the comparisons can reflect a lack of political and human awareness. The Real Madrid and France star noted that dictators have caused immense suffering and said he has never done anything comparable. The meme’s exact origin is unclear, though it has been linked to jokes about his influence at Paris Saint-Germain, the departures of Lionel Messi and Neymar, and his later roles as France captain and a Real Madrid player. Mbappé also discussed the nickname “Mobutu,” given to him by teammate Ousmane Dembélé and referencing former Zaire ruler Mobutu Sese Seko, calling it a social-media joke.