Kylian Mbappé has made a powerful call to action, urging French youth to vote in the upcoming elections to prevent the far-right National Rally (RN) from gaining power. The first round of elections is set for June 30, with the second round on July 7.
While Mbappé did not explicitly endorse any party, he defended his teammate Marcus Thuram’s recent comments, which called for the country to “fight every day to stop” the RN. At a press conference in Duesseldorf ahead of France’s Euro 2024 game against Austria, Mbappé stressed the importance of political engagement, especially among the youth.
Mbappé’s Statement
“I think this is a crucial moment in the history of our country, an unprecedented situation,” said the 25-year-old striker, who recently signed with Real Madrid from Paris Saint-Germain. “The Euros is very important in our careers, but we are citizens first and foremost, and I don’t think we can be disconnected from the world around us.”
Mbappé highlighted the significant impact that young voters could have on the country’s future. “Today we can all see that extremists are very close to winning power, and we have the opportunity to choose the future of our country,” he emphasized. “That is why I call on all young people to go out and vote, to really be aware of the importance of the situation.”
He added, “The country needs to identify with the values of diversity and tolerance. That is undeniable. I really hope we make the right decision.”
Political Engagement and Football
Mbappé’s comments come shortly after far-right parties, including Marine Le Pen’s National Rally (RN), captured almost 40 percent of the vote in France’s recent EU elections. In response, President Emmanuel Macron called a snap poll for the National Assembly, which could potentially see the RN become the largest party.
Following Thuram’s statements, the French Football Federation (FFF) released a statement urging the team to remain neutral and free from political pressure. The FFF emphasized respect for freedom of expression but insisted on maintaining the neutrality of the squad.
During the press conference, Mbappé asserted that discussing politics would not hinder France’s performance on the field. “The upcoming vote is a situation that is even more important than the game tomorrow,” he stated. “One does not impede the other, not at all.”
As France heads into a critical election period, Mbappé’s call for political engagement highlights the intersection of sports and civic duty. His appeal to the youth underscores the significant role they play in shaping the country’s future, urging them to stand up for values of diversity and tolerance.
