Chronological coverage updated 11th September 2026 17:14.
Update 1 · 11th September 2026
Kylian Mbappé Addresses Viral AI Dictator Memes as Giggs Reveals 2015 Man Utd Scouting Rejection
France international forward Kylian Mbappé has addressed viral AI-generated social media memes depicting him in military uniforms and alongside historical figures such as Soviet leader Josef Stalin. Speaking to France Football magazine, Mbappé noted that while some images are made in good humour, comparisons to autocratic figures cross a line given the real-world harm caused by dictators throughout history. Source: independent.co.uk.
According to independent.co.uk, Kylian Mbappé, France international and Real Madrid forward said: “Being compared to people who murder others, or who have made millions and millions of people miserable. … I don’t think I’ve done that in my life. So there’s a mixture of things.”.
Mbappé also referred to a nickname given to him by France teammate Ousmane Dembélé, who called him 'Mobut' after former autocratic leader Mobutu Sese Seko. Mbappé explained that Dembélé picked up the term from social media and meant it strictly as a joke. Source: independent.co.uk.
Manchester United's 2015 Transfer Rejection
The disclosure coincides with details regarding Manchester United's past transfer activity. Speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, former United player and assistant coach Ryan Giggs revealed that the club chose not to sign Mbappé in 2015 following a scouting trip to Paris. Source: independent.co.uk.
Following United's decision, Mbappé broke into Monaco's first team, winning Ligue 1 in 2017 before moving to Paris Saint-Germain for the second-highest transfer fee in history and subsequently joining Real Madrid in 2024. Source: independent.co.uk.
- Kylian Mbappé voiced concern over AI memes linking him to historical dictators who caused widespread suffering.
- Ryan Giggs revealed Manchester United turned down Mbappé in 2015 after scouts were unconvinced by his performance.
