Football
Mbappé Rejects “Dictator” Label: “I’ve Never Killed or Caused Millions’
Kylian Mbappé, Real Madrid and France national team star, dismissed social media comparisons to historical dictators as deeply inappropriate, stating he has never killed or caused mass suffering.
Kylian Mbappé, forward for Real Madrid and the France national team, responded directly to widespread online use of the term “dictator” to describe him—a label proliferating across multiple social media platforms.
The French star expressed anger over AI-generated images circulating online that placed him alongside authoritarian rulers, including Soviet leader Joseph Stalin and Congolese dictator Mobutu Sese Seko, who ruled the Democratic Republic of the Congo—formerly Zaire—for 25 years.
What Mbappé told France Football
In an interview with the global magazine *France Football*, set for full publication, Mbappé said: “It’s somewhat funny—it seems like a joke to some people—but there’s another side to it that’s far less humorous, because we’re all aware of the immense harm figures like these have inflicted throughout history.”
He added: “Comparing me to individuals who kill others or cause the misery of millions—I don’t believe I’ve ever done anything like that in my entire life. So the feeling is mixed.”
Mbappé continued: “On one level, I understand it’s meant as a joke with no serious intent—but at times, such jokes reveal a lack of political and human awareness among people.”
Dembele’s nickname reference
Mbappé disclosed that teammate Ousmane Dembélé had jokingly called him “Mobutu,” referencing the former Zairian ruler. Regarding this, Mbappé clarified: “With Dembélé, it’s different—he picked up the nickname from social media. He teases me about it, and nothing more.”
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