‘Mixture of things’: Mbappé finally breaks silence on viral dictator memes and bizarre nickname from team-mate

Mbappé addresses viral dictator memes and bizarre nickname and admits the comparison has left him with mixed feelings/ Image: AP, X Kylian Mbappé has never been short of attention, but a strange social media trend surrounding the France and Real Madrid star has taken his fame in a direction he would rather not take. Images of Mbappé, dressed as a dictator, sitting on a throne and appearing alongside some of history’s most controversial political figures, have gone viral online, turning his footballing influence into the unlikely subject of a viral meme.The 27-year-old sees the joke behind it, but also believes there is a line that shouldn’t be crossed when humor involves people responsible for immense suffering. Mbappé addressed the trend while reflecting on how social media can turn almost anything involving a high-profile footballer into a running joke.The problem for him is not just mockery or an exaggerated nickname. It is the historical weight given to the numbers against which it is compared.

Mbappé explains why the comparison with the dictator bothers him

The origin of the meme remains unclear. One possible explanation links this to Mbappé’s decision to sue the owner of a kebab shop in 2024 over the use of his name in the description of the sandwich.Others have speculated that the images are a joke about the level of influence Mbappé is said to have had at Real Madrid and before that at Paris Saint-Germain.Memes have taken several forms. Mbappé was depicted in military uniform, sitting on a throne and standing alongside controversial historical leaders, including Soviet leader Joseph Stalin.In an interview with L’Équipe, Mbappé acknowledged that some people apparently intended the images as harmless entertainment. However, he said these comparisons become uncomfortable because of the real-world implications associated with the people being referred to.“It’s partly funny because you feel that for some people it’s all good fun,” Mbappé said.“But there’s also a part that’s not so funny, because we know the damage this genre of people has done in history.”Mbappé was particularly uncomfortable being compared to people responsible for mass suffering.“To be compared to people who murder others or who have caused misery to millions and millions of people… I don’t think I’ve ever done anything like that in my life. So it’s a mixture of things.”The France international added that he understands the light-hearted intent behind the trend, but believes it can also reveal something about the people who share it.“On the one hand, I know it’s done in a light-hearted way and it’s not meant to go too far, but maybe it shows people’s lack of political and human awareness.”

Dembélé’s nickname “Mobutu” is a different kind of joke

The subject also brought up the nickname given to Mbappé by his France teammate Ousmane Dembélé: “Mobutu”.The name refers to Mobutu Sese Seko, the former dictator who ruled the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which he renamed Zaire, from 1965 to 1997.Mbappé seemed to take that particular joke much more in stride.“Ousman, he is something else,” Mbappé said with a smile. “He found it on social media! He’s just laughing.”The meme discussion comes as Mbappé continues to make headlines for far more conventional reasons on the pitch. The France captain has started the 2026-27 season strongly for Real Madrid, scoring five goals in the first five games of the campaign.He will next appear on Saturday night when José Mourinho hosts Rayo Vallecano.