'I haven't killed anyone': Mbappe addresses discomfort over 'dictator' nickname

Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé has opened up about the 'dictator' nickname given to him by some fans on social media, expressing a mix of amusement and discomfort at the comparison.

Mbappe addressed the nickname in an interview with France Football, where he said he understands that it is largely meant in jest but feels comparisons with historical dictators responsible for the deaths and suffering of millions can go beyond humour.

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“The matter is partly amusing, because it gives the impression that for some people it is just a joke. But it also carries a less light-hearted side, because we know the harm that this kind of person has caused throughout history.”

“To be compared to people who kill others, or who caused the misery of millions and millions of people... I don't think I have ever done anything like that in my life at all.”

Mbappe accepts that the nickname is mostly banter, but believes some of it can also point to a lack of political and human awareness.

“There is a mix of things. On one hand, I know it is said in jest and does not reach that extent, but at times it reveals a lack of political and human awareness in people.”

There is, however, one person who has embraced the joke more than most -- his France teammate Ousmane Dembele.

The former PSG teammates have their own running gag, with Dembele having once playfully called Mbappe “Mobutu”, referring to Mobutu Sese Seko, the dictator who ruled Zaire, now the Democratic Republic of the Congo, for 25 years.

“Dembele is different. He discovered the matter on social media! He just laughs,” Mbappe said.

The interview also saw Mbappe address another familiar debate; his defensive contribution.

The Frenchman says the criticism is an inevitable part of being a footballer, particularly when he is not scoring.

“It’s an absurd debate. Because if I don't score, people will ask me why I didn't score. I have learned that, as a footballer, in every match you play, there are millions of coaches. And not all coaches are happy at home.”

For Mbappe, the priority is straightforward: score goals.

“Everyone has their own perspective. But I think the purpose of football is to score goals, to score one more than the opposition. A player who scores can never be a problem for the team. Because I have never seen a team win a trophy without scoring a goal.”

And when it comes to the Ballon d’Or, Mbappe is certainly not short on belief.

Asked who he would vote for in this year’s race, the Real Madrid star had a simple answer.

“Who would I vote for? Myself. I feel I can win it this year. So I haven't ruled myself out of the race.”