French Footballers Tackle Politics Ahead of Critical Euro 2024 Match

French Footballers Speak on Politics Ahead of Crucial Euro 2024 Match

Philippe Diallo, president of the French Football Federation (FFF), addressed the media from Düsseldorf, Germany, ahead of the French national team's Euro 2024 opener against Austria. Amidst a crowd of supporters, Diallo validated the recent political statements made by players Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, and Marcus Thuram, asserting their freedom to express themselves as citizens.

"Players have expressed themselves, it is their freedom as citizens," Diallo said. "This is the freedom of expression that the federation fully allows them." He reiterated the importance of focusing on the upcoming match, stating, "Now we are going to move on to sport, to the match, and to what we came for, that is to say, playing football."

Kylian Mbappé highlighted the gravity of the situation in France during a press conference. "We are at a crucial moment in the history of the country," he said. "We see that the extremes are at the gates of power. We can change everything." Ousmane Dembélé had earlier called on people to vote, and Marcus Thuram urged his teammates to actively oppose the far-right party, RN, by voting in the European elections.

However, not all players shared their views publicly. Kingsley Coman and Dayot Upamecano preferred to focus exclusively on football. "We focus on football and the competition. We don’t talk too much about politics," assured Coman.

Unai Simon, Spain's goalkeeper, expressed a different perspective, suggesting that football players should leave political discussions to others and concentrate on their sport.

During a separate press interaction, Didier Deschamps was asked about his stance on political involvement by players. While he acknowledged his civic duty, Deschamps emphasized that the team is primarily focused on the sport.

"It doesn't matter, there will be pros, cons, you like it or not. They are footballers but above all they are French citizens," Deschamps said. He reiterated his historical stance from 1996 when the French national team was criticized for not singing the Marseillaise, emphasizing that the team represents diversity, solidarity, and union.

Deschamps also discussed the importance of the first match against Austria, noting, "The first match is very important. Not decisive but very important. It puts us in a good position." He praised the Austrian team for its high intensity and strength but stressed that the French team is prepared.

Regarding the electoral participation of the French team, a significant number of players and staff have opted to vote by proxy in the upcoming legislative elections. Nearly forty out of the 45 members of the French team have taken the necessary steps to vote, showing a higher engagement compared to past European elections.

Marcus Thuram, known for his strong societal opinions, urged his fellow citizens to vote, stressing the importance of combatting the rise of the far-right party. "As a citizen, we must fight so that the RN does not pass," Thuram stated, reflecting the sentiment shared by many in the team.