Kylian Mbappé, the powerful captain of France’s national football team, has strongly reacted to the initial results of France’s unexpected parliamentary elections, describing them as a “disaster”. He called for a robust voter turnout to prevent the National Rally from taking control in the impending second-round vote on Sunday. Mbappé, who has recently transferred to Real Madrid, the current champions of Europe’s premier club competition, is a crucial player for France and holds significant influence among the country’s younger generation.
The prominent footballer urged French citizens to seize the opportunity to prevent the far-right, anti-immigration party from gaining power amidst a heated political contest. Offering his perspective on a precarious political situation that has seen the National Rally capture 33 percent of votes in the preliminary round held last weekend, he said, “It’s a dire situation. We must stop these people from taking over our nation. It’s urgent. The results have been disastrous. We genuinely hope for a change that everyone comes together, casts their votes, and chooses the right party.”
Mbappé stressed the imperative nature of voting, proclaiming that it’s “now or never”. Despite playing in Germany for the European Championship, the French team has remained focused on the circumstances in their homeland. Unlike their English peers, numerous French footballers have voiced their opinions on political issues.
Jules Koundé, a defender, expressed his disappointment over the strong support for a party aspiring “to curtail our freedom and collective living” after defeating Belgium on Monday. He emphasised the need to motivate those who previously didn’t vote to participate in the election to prevent the extreme right from acquiring a majority.
Before the championship commenced, attackers Marcus Thuram and Ousmane Dembélé also urged eligible French citizens to exercise their voting rights. Mbappé supported them, stating his opposition to extreme opinions and divisive beliefs. His comments, however, faced backlash from several quarters, including the National Rally’s leader Jordan Bardella.
France will go head-to-head with Portugal in an upcoming quarter-final match on Friday. This highly anticipated game indicates that Mbappé, who will continue to sport a mask due to a nose injury he suffered during the group phase, will face off against former Real Madrid striker, Cristiano Ronaldo. There is a prevailing belief that this could be the defining moment when 25-year-old Mbappé assumes Ronaldo’s outstanding legacy. The latter, a football legend from Portugal at age 39, receives high regard from Mbappé. “He is in a league of his own,” praised Mbappé. “He has moulded football and inspired generations, as well as scoring goals. I have nothing but adulation for him.” – Guardian