Kylian Mbappe breaks silence on viral ‘dictator’ meme with blunt message to fans
· Yahoo Sports
Kylian Mbappe has addressed the viral meme portraying him as a military dictator, admitting there is a funny side to it but warning that the joke also highlights a lack of political and human awareness.
Visit catcrossgame.com for more information.
The Real Madrid superstar discussed the meme in an interview with L’Equipe after the image, which shows him dressed in military uniform, spread across social media.
Mbappe’s comments come during an excellent start to the 2026-27 season, with the France captain having scored five goals in his first five appearances for Real Madrid.
Photo by Diego Souto/Getty ImagesKylian Mbappe explains his issue with the viral meme
Mbappe admitted he could understand why some people found the image funny, but felt the comparison crossed into uncomfortable territory because of what real-life dictators have done throughout history.
“It is in part funny because you get the sense that, for some people, it’s all in good fun. But there is also the part that is not so funny, because we know the damage this genre of people have caused throughout history.”
He continued: “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.”
Mbappe ultimately believes the meme says something about the people sharing it.
“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.”
Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty ImagesThe France captain was also asked about the nickname “Mobutu”, which has reportedly been given to him by international teammate Ousmane Dembele.
The name refers to Mobutu Sese Seko, the former president of the Democratic Republic of Congo who renamed the country Zaire and ruled from 1965 to 1997.
Mbappe appeared much more relaxed when discussing his teammate’s joke.
“Ousmane, he is something different,” Mbappe said. “He found it on social media! He’s just having a laugh.”
The 27-year-old now turns his attention back to football, with Real Madrid preparing to host Rayo Vallecano on Saturday night.
Jose Mourinho will be hoping Mbappe can continue his scoring run, with the viral meme now unlikely to overshadow the Frenchman’s focus on the pitch.
Read more: