Footballer Kylian Mbappe has called on young people to vote in the upcoming French elections – warning the “extremes are knocking on the door of power”.
France‘s captain was speaking ahead of his side’s opening match at Euro 2024 in Germany and at a time when the far-right is seeking to take power in parliamentary elections – and said he doesn’t want to “represent a country that doesn’t reflect my values”.
President Emmanuel Macron has called two rounds of national assembly elections on 30 June and 7 July in an effort to counter the success of his far-right opponents in recent European polls.
Mbappe did not name any politicians or parties by name – but said he wanted to convince young people their votes could make a difference.
Through a translator, the 25-year-old said: “We know that it is a pivotal moment for French history, this is a never-before-seen event.
“We are a generation that can make a difference, we can see that the extremes are knocking on the door of power and we have the opportunity to shape the future of our country.
“I don’t want to represent a country that doesn’t reflect my values.
“We are all on the same side – that’s why we can’t hide.
“It is often said you must not mix politics and football and I agree when it’s a normal situation – but when you’re in a situation like this, it’s very important.”
Mbappe added it was “a situation that is even more important” than this evening’s Group D match between France and Austria.
“One does not impede the other, not at all,” he said.
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Earlier this month, the forward left Paris St-Germain when his contract expired and signed a five-year deal with Real Madrid.
French football officials had urged the media to back away from asking players to comment on the political situation at home.
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The French Football Federation said it is “very attached to freedom of expression and citizenship [and] supports the necessary call to go to vote, which is a democratic requirement”.
“As such, it is appropriate to avoid any kind of pressure and political usage of the French team,” it added.
