Kylian Mbappe opens up about viral dictator memes, calls them ‘politically ignorant’

Kylian Mbappe has finally opened up about viral AI memes portraying him as a dictator, admitting there is a humorous side to it, but questions the historical awareness behind some of the comparisons. The Real Madrid forward said he is associated with figures responsible for mass suffering where the joke becomes uncomfortable.

The memes became particularly widespread during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, when Mbappe was depicted in military uniform, sitting on a throne and alongside controversial historical figures such as Soviet leader Josef Stalin. Speaking to France Football magazine, Mbappe acknowledged that many of the images were taken in good humour, but said some of them crossed the line.

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“There’s a part that’s funny because you can tell it’s good-natured for some people,” Mbappe said. “There’s also a part that’s a little less fun, because we know the damage that people like that have done in history.”

“To be compared to people who kill others, or who have made millions and millions of people miserable… I don’t think I’ve ever done that in my life. So it’s a mixture of things,” he added.

Mbappe then explained why he believes the trend could sometimes reveal something beyond simple football banter. “I know it’s done in a light-hearted way and it doesn’t go that far, but sometimes it shows a lack of political and human awareness among people,” he said.

The memes were largely built on the idea that Mbappe has an overwhelming influence on matches and is portrayed as someone who controls everything on the pitch. The France captain has also received plenty of jokes from teammates, but he believes that comparisons with historical figures responsible for violence and repression require a different level of sensitivity.

2026 MBAPPE WAS SIGNIFICANT

The attention surrounding Mbappe also comes after an extraordinary year on the pitch. He scored 10 goals in eight matches at the 2026 World Cup winning the Golden Boot as well as claiming the Bronze Ball, overtaking Lionel Messi to become the tournament’s top scorer with 22 goals.

His form continued in the new season with Real Madrid. Mbappe scored four goals in his first four La Liga games before opening his Champions League account against Inter Milan when he scored in Madrid’s 2-1 win at the Santiago Bernabeu. He also finished the previous Champions League campaign as the competition’s top scorer with 15 goals in 11 games.

DEMBELE GETS A PASS

Mbappe was also asked about the nickname “Mobut” given to him by French team-mate Ousmane Dembele, a reference to former Congolese leader Mobutu Sese Seko. The Real Madrid striker was quick to pick the joke apart from a wider trend of AI-generated dictator memes.

“It’s different with Ousmane,” said Mbappe. “He picked it up from social media. It’s just a joke with him.”

With Mbappe, the difference seems to be one of intent and context. He can appreciate the humor that comes with being one of football’s biggest stars, but believes the joke becomes less acceptable when it involves comparisons to people whose actions have caused immense suffering throughout history.

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Issued by:

Debodinna Chakraborty

Published on:

12 Sep 2026 08:06 IST