For years, social media users have nicknamed Kylian Mbappe "Mobutu," comparing the Real Madrid forward to former African dictator Mobutu Sese Seko and suggesting that he behaves like a dictator, both on and off the pitch.
What started as an internet meme has now spread to stadiums. Opposing fans have occasionally used the nickname in chorus, in an attempt to provoke and throw the French national team captain out of the game.
Now, Mbappe has decided to publicly respond to the viral nickname. In part of an interview with French newspaper L'Equipe, the Real Madrid forward explained why he finds "Mobutu" more disturbing than entertaining.
"Part of it is funny, because you can understand that for some people everything is done for fun and for fun," Mbappe said.
However, he stressed that the comparison to a dictator cannot always be taken simply as humor.
"But there's also a part that's much less funny, because we know the damage that such people have caused throughout history. To be compared to people who kill others, or who have made millions and millions of people suffer...", he said.
Mobutu Sese Seko ruled what is now the Democratic Republic of Congo for more than three decades. His regime was marked by corruption, repression and violence, making his name synonymous with dictatorship in the African country.
Mbappe admitted that he understands that many people use the nickname "Mobutu" without any malicious intent and only as a form of humor on social media. However, he said he is not comfortable with the memes, which he believes could damage his reputation.
"I don't think I've ever done anything like this in my life," said the France captain.
"So it's a mix of things. On the one hand, I know it's done without any bad intentions and it doesn't go that far. But sometimes it shows a lack of political and human awareness," he added.
In the interview, Mbappe also spoke about a more specific case, mentioning his French national teammate and close friend, Ousmane Dembele, who he has also jokingly called "Mobutu".
"It's different with Ousmane. He got it from social media. He uses it to make people laugh, not to hurt anyone," Mbappe said.
The full interview with the French star will be published on Saturday in the magazine "France Football" and is expected to address in more detail how Mbappe experiences the fact that he has become one of the most commented figures on social networks and the constant object of memes and viral comparisons.
