As the French national football team gears up for Euro 2024, captain Kylian Mbappé is using his platform to address a critical issue beyond the pitch: the upcoming legislative elections in France. Mbappé has publicly urged the French people, particularly the youth, to participate in the democratic process and to vote against right-wing parties, citing the importance of safeguarding values like tolerance, respect, and diversity.His call to action comes amid concerns about the rise of extremism and the far-right in the country. Mbappé’s teammate, Marcus Thuram, has also been outspoken against such divisive ideologies, and both players have been supported by the French Football Federation (FFF) in their right to express personal opinions. However, the FFF has also emphasized the need to keep the national team from becoming a tool for political exploitation.The football stars’ political engagement is not without precedent; Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembelè has also voiced his opposition to far-right parties. As the team prepares for their match against Austria, Mbappé has made it clear that while football is their primary focus, they cannot ignore the ‘crucial moment in the country’s history’. He and Thuram have requested to vote by proxy from their training camp in Germany, illustrating their commitment to civic participation.Kylian Mbappé, now a symbol of national pride, hopes that on July 7th, the date of the elections, they will still be proud to wear the French jersey, one that represents the inclusive values they stand for.
Key points
- Kylian Mbappé urges French citizens to vote against right-wing parties in legislative elections.
- Mbappé and teammate Marcus Thuram vocalize their stance on political issues, emphasizing tolerance and diversity.
- French footballers request to vote by proxy from their training camp, showing commitment to civic duty.
