When asked about a potential career change into politics — and even about the idea of one day running for president of the Republic — Kylian Mbappé gave a frank and humorous answer.

The origins of the "Mobutu" meme

To understand the buzz that sometimes surrounds the French striker, we have to go back to his years in Paris. On social media, fans had ironically nicknamed him "the Mobutu of football" , in reference to the former autocratic leader of Zaire (now the DRC).

This meme, tinged with exaggeration and mockery, highlighted the enormous influence the player was supposed to wield over PSG's internal decisions. While the rumors about his alleged absolute power were more speculation than reality, the nickname stuck.

Politics? "I'm already hated enough as it is."

Now playing for Real Madrid, does the French national team captain intend to trade his football boots for a statesman's suit after his sporting retirement? His response was swift and amused the internet:

"Becoming President of the Republic one day? Quite a few people tell me that, but it's not in my plans. I'm already hated enough as it is."

A public figure under close surveillance

During this interview, the 2018 world champion also opened up about his daily life as a highly publicized superstar. Accustomed to juggling praise and harsh criticism, he knows that his every move is scrutinized by the general public, far beyond the confines of the football pitch.

Let his detractors rest assured: for now, Kylian Mbappé keeps his eyes fixed on his sporting objectives and leaves institutional ambitions to professional politicians.