Kylian Mbappé addresses viral AI memes portraying him as a dictator, saying some elements are amusing while comparisons to historical figures associated with mass suffering go too far. In comments shared by outlets including France Football, he acknowledges that the posts are often meant humorously, but he stresses that the underlying comparisons can reflect a lack of political and human awareness.
Mbappé says he understands why some people share the jokes, describing a “mix of things,” while noting the real-world harm linked to leaders depicted in similar imagery. The memes reportedly circulated during the World Cup, with portrayals including military-style outfits and throne or leader-style scenes, and they sometimes referenced controversial historical personalities.
He also comments on a separate, team-related nickname: Ousmane Dembélé’s “Mobutu,” a reference to former autocratic ruler Mobutu Sese Seko. Mbappé frames Dembélé’s use of the name as a joke picked up from social media, which he takes more lightly. Sources agree he continues to enjoy a strong start to the new season.
