Mbappé speaks on AI dictator memes: 'Funny part, but also less funny'

Kylian Mbappé has commented on the AI-generated memes circulating on social media that depicted him as a dictator during the World Cup. The France star was shown in military uniforms, seated on thrones, and alongside historical figures like Josef Stalin.

When asked by France Football magazine about the memes, Mbappé said there was both humour and concern. "There's a part that's funny because it's good-natured, but there's also a part that's less funny because we know the damage such people have caused throughout history," he stated. He added that being compared to figures responsible for mass suffering felt inappropriate.

Mbappé noted the memes showed "a lack of political and human awareness," though he acknowledged they were meant lightheartedly. He distinguished between social media memes and his teammate Ousmane Dembélé's nickname "Mobut" for him, calling the latter simply a joke between friends.