Kylian Mbappé, alongside other notable French national team players like Marcus Thuram, Ousmane Dembelé, Olivier Giroud, and Benjamin Pavard, made a significant call to action during the Euro 2024 press conference in Germany. The players urged young people to vote in the upcoming legislative elections in France, emphasizing the need to uphold values of diversity, tolerance, and respect.
Mbappé expressed his concerns about the potential victory of the National Rally in the elections scheduled for June 30 and July 7. His statement reflects a growing sentiment among influential figures in the sports world who are taking a stand against extremism. The players' collective appeal was to encourage voter turnout, a crucial aspect in safeguarding democratic principles.
The reaction to this call was immediate, both among fans and the political class. In a bar in the 10th arrondissement of Paris, supporters discussed this intersection of football and politics. Many, like Thomas and Jérôme, who had previously abstained from voting, felt moved by the players' words to participate in the legislative elections, highlighting the profound influence athletes can have on public opinion.
Marcus Thuram's bold statement, "As a citizen, we must fight so that the RN (National Rally) does not pass," stood out during the press conference. This rare political stance from a footballer sparked varied reactions across the political spectrum. National Rally spokesperson Julien Odoul criticized Thuram, while figures like Yannick Jadot and Fabien Roussel praised his courage and called for greater civic engagement.
The French Football Federation (FFF) echoed the call to vote, although it reaffirmed its stance of institutional neutrality. The FFF's press release emphasized the importance of voter participation while urging to respect the non-political nature of the national football team.
- In a video report from the Euro 2024 press conference, several prominent French national team players collectively called on young voters to participate in the upcoming legislative elections. This has resonated deeply with the supporters, many of whom were inspired to reconsider their decision to vote based on the players' influential appeal.
- Marcus Thuram's statement against the National Rally stirred responses, both critical and supportive. The National Rally's spokesperson accused Thuram of being out of touch, while political leaders from other parties lauded his bravery and the necessity of such messages from influential public figures.
- The FFF's response, although supporting the call to vote, highlighted the delicate balance of promoting civic responsibility while maintaining its institutional neutrality. This reflects the broader tension in the sports world regarding the intersection of athletics and political advocacy.
