Real Madrid’s Mbappe: AI dictator memes show lack of political awareness
France international and World Cup record holder Kylian Mbappe speaks out over memes using his image.
Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe has condemned a viral meme comparing him to a dictator, stating it demonstrates a "lack of political and human awareness". The 27-year-old French international acknowledged that the AI-generated meme might be seen as humorous by some, but emphasized that likening him to dictators who caused widespread harm is inappropriate.
In an interview with France Football, Mbappe acknowledged that some fans shared the meme in good-natured jest due to his dominant performance on the pitch and considerable influence in football. However, he added that there was a "bit less funny" side to the meme because of the historical damage inflicted by the individuals he was being compared to.
Mbappe expressed that he has done nothing to warrant such comparisons in his life. The Real Madrid star also addressed the nickname "Mobut" used by France teammate Ousmane Dembele during the 2026 World Cup, which is a reference to former Democratic Republic of Congo dictator Mobutu Sese Seko. Mbappe differentiated Dembele's playful nickname from the wider meme, stating that his teammate simply found it amusing after encountering it online.
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