Kylian Mbappe has criticised a viral meme that superimposes his face on a dictator's body, saying it shows "a lack of political and human awareness". The Real Madrid and France forward, 27, said he understood the "funny side" but that it downplayed serious issues.

Speaking to France Football, Mbappe said: "There's a funny side... Then there's a side that's a bit less funny, because we know the damage people like that have caused throughout history."

"Being compared to people who murder others... I don't think I've done that in my life."

He added: "It sometimes reveals a lack of political and human awareness among people."

Mbappe also referenced the "Mobut" nickname used by France team-mate Ousmane Dembele during the 2026 World Cup. That nickname comes from Mobutu Sese Seko, the dictator who ruled the Democratic Republic of Congo for three decades.

"Ousmane, that's a different thing. He took that from social media. He's just having a laugh," Mbappe said.