Football
He’d get what’s coming to him for this. Mbappé speaks out about French elections: ‘I don’t want to represent a country that doesn’t share my values’
France will play its first match at the European Championships on Monday, but instead of football, some of its players have other things on their minds. A second round of parliamentary elections is looming. One of the stars to comment was Kylian Mbappé. He would have taken a big hit for his words.
France will play its first match at the European Championships on Monday, but instead of football, some of its players have other things on their minds. A second round of parliamentary elections is looming. One of the stars to comment was Kylian Mbappé. He’d take a big hit for his words.
Already on 30 June and 7 July, France will hold the first and second rounds of parliamentary elections after President Emmanuel Macron dissolved the National Assembly. This was in response to the results of the European Parliament elections, in which Marine Le Pen’s party came out on top.
The land of the Gallic cockerel is therefore experiencing very interesting times politically, which is not leaving some sports stars quiet. For example, the national football team is beginning to express its views, but they should be fully focused on EURO 2024, where they will play their first match on Monday evening.
The first to call for a vote against Marine Le Pen was striker Marcus Thuram. On Sunday, however, Kylian Mbappé, the new star of Real Madrid and above all the captain of the French national football team, made the same move. And that politics does not belong in sport? Apparently as where.
Moreover, footballers have a lot of influence and reach, which can make their opinions very important. Mbappé seems to be well aware of this, and he has expressed himself accordingly.
Kylian Mbappé talks about the parliamentary elections and warns against extremists
The new Real Madrid ace stood up for his colleague Marcus Thuram at the press conference. Kylian Mbappé believes that France is currently experiencing a crucial period in its history. That is why he wanted to speak to the French people, especially to the young generation, who, he said, can make a difference.
“It is clear that the extremists are at the gates of power and we have the opportunity to decide the future of our country. That is why I call on young people to vote and to be aware of the seriousness of the situation. I hope that my vote will have the greatest impact,” ESPN quoted him as saying.
“We need to identify with our country. As well as with our values, which are the values of tolerance, diversity and respect. I trust the French. Every vote counts. I hope we make the right choice and that I can continue to wear the France jersey proudly after July 7. I don’t want to represent a country that doesn’t share my values,” says Mbappé.
It’s worth noting that even President Macron has been in favour of Kylian not leaving for Real Madrid in the past. And what does the national team coach Didier Deschamps have to say? He says he’s fine with it. He is aware that even footballers are ordinary citizens who have the right to their opinion. Nor does he intend to prevent them from expressing themselves on the situation.
Of course, there is a risk that opinions on politics could stir the mood in the cabin. But according to behind-the-scenes reports in the French media, the players are united.
Source: ESPN