Kylian Mbappe opens up on viral dictator memes, calls them 'politically unaware'
Kylian Mbappe has finally opened up about the viral AI memes portraying him as a dictator, admitting there is a humorous side to them but questioning the historical awareness behind some of the comparisons. The Real Madrid forward said being linked to figures responsible for mass suffering is where the joke becomes uncomfortable.
The memes became particularly widespread during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Mbappe depicted in military uniforms, sitting on a throne and alongside controversial historical figures such as Soviet leader Josef Stalin. Speaking to France Football magazine, Mbappe acknowledged that many of the images were created in good humour but said some of them crossed a line.advertisement❮❯ Read Full StoryWATCH THE VIDEO:Kylian Mbapp reacts to the "Dictator" memesFind everything about him: https://t.co/6vZvjTg559#ballondor #mbappe #realmadrid pic.twitter.com/ErkO2LWyC2— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) September 11, 2026“There’s a part of it that’s funny because you can tell that, for some people, it’s good-natured,” Mbappe said. “There’s also a part that’s a little less funny because we know the damage that people like that have caused throughout history.”
“Being compared to people who murder others, or who have made millions and millions of people miserable... I don’t think I’ve done that in my life. So there’s a mixture of things,” he added.
Mbappe then explained why he believes the trend can sometimes reveal something beyond simple football banter. “I know it’s done in a light-hearted way and that it doesn’t go that far, but sometimes it shows a lack of political and human awareness among people,” he said.
The memes were largely built around the idea of Mbappe having an overwhelming influence on matches and being portrayed as someone who controls everything on the pitch. The France captain has also embraced plenty of jokes from teammates, but he believes comparisons with historical figures responsible for violence and repression require a different level of sensitivity.
The attention around Mbappe also comes after an extraordinary year on the pitch. He scored 10 goals in eight matches at the 2026 World Cup to win the Golden Boot and also claimed the Bronze Ball, while overtaking Lionel Messi to become the tournament's all-time leading scorer with 22 goals.
His form has continued into the new season with Real Madrid. Mbappe has scored four goals in his first four La Liga appearances and then opened his Champions League account against Inter Milan, scoring in Madrid's 2-1 victory at the Santiago Bernabeu. He had also finished the previous Champions League campaign as the competition's top scorer with 15 goals in 11 matches.DEMBELE GETS A PASS
Mbappe was also asked about the nickname “Mobut” given to him by France teammate Ousmane Dembele, a reference to former Congolese leader Mobutu Sese Seko. The Real Madrid forward was quick to distinguish that joke from the wider trend of AI-generated dictator memes.
“With Ousmane, it’s something is different,” Mbappe said. “He picked it up from social media. With him, it’s just a joke.”
For Mbappe, the distinction appears to be about intent and context. He can appreciate the humour that comes with being one of football's biggest stars, but believes the joke becomes harder to accept when it involves comparisons with people whose actions caused immense suffering throughout history.- EndsPublished By: Debodinna ChakrabortyPublished On: Sep 12, 2026 08:06 IST
