Kylian Mbappé has criticised a viral meme depicting him as a dictator, saying that the trend “shows a lack of political and human awareness in people.”
The origin of the meme — which depicts the France and Real Madrid striker in military uniform — is unknown, but it may stem from Mbappé’s decision to sue a kebab shop owner in 2024 for using his name in the description of a sandwich.
Others have speculated that the meme refers to the amount of influence that the Frenchman has reportedly had at Madrid and previous club Paris Saint-Germain.
In an interview with L’Equipe, Mbappé said he saw the humorous side, but was concerned that the meme was making light of a serious topic.
Read more:Kylian Mbappé responds to defensive criticism: ‘It’s not something I take personally’
“It is in part funny because you get the sense that, for some people, it’s all in good fun,” he said. “But there is also the part that is not so funny, because we know the damage this genre of people have caused throughout history.
“To be compared to people who murder others, or who have caused misery for millions and millions of people … I don’t think I’ve ever done anything like that in my life. So there’s a mix of things.
“On the one hand, I know it’s done in a lighthearted way and it isn’t meant to be taken too far, but it perhaps shows a lack of political and human awareness in people.”
Mbappé also addressed the nickname Mobutu, which was given to him by France teammate Ousmane Dembélé.
Read more:French Football Federation withdraws support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino
The nickname is a reference to Mobutu Sese Seko, the dictator who served as president of Congo DR, which he renamed Zaire, between 1965 and 1997.
“Ousmane, he is something different,” Mbappé smiled. “He found it on social media! He’s just having a laugh.”
The 27-year-old has five goals in five games for Real Madrid this season and is next in action on Saturday night when José Mourinho’s side host Rayo Vallecano.
