Euro 2024: Did Kylian Mbappe’s Warning Against Extremes Impact France’s National Rally?

The French national football team has been making progress on the pitch, but some players have also been vocal about their country’s election. Kylian Mbappe, a prominent player, warned against “extremes” before the vote. Did his words make a difference?

After the French legislative election, several footballers celebrated on social media. Ousmane Dembele posted a happy picture, Marcus Thuram wrote a congratulatory message, and Ibrahima Konate used emojis to express his joy. But this wasn’t about Euro 2024; it was because the far-right National Rally (RN) surprisingly lost in the second round of the election.

Before the vote, some French footballers, including Mbappe, spoke out against RN. Mbappe, whose family is from Algeria and Cameroon, said, “We have to go and vote, it’s really urgent. We cannot leave our country in the hands of these people.” Jules Kounde was even stronger, saying, “We must block the far right and the National Rally. They will not lead our country to more liberty and unity.”

The election was significant because no group had an absolute majority, and the timing coincided with the major tournament. The players’ voices were heard more loudly than usual. But did they actually make a difference?

Pascal Boniface, the founding director of the French Institute for International and Strategic Affairs, believes that the footballers’ mobilization was one of the factors that contributed to RN’s defeat. “It created an atmosphere where we are under threat. We had to do something. We couldn’t stay silent or immobile,” he said.

The strongest voices against RN came from France’s Black players. Adrien Rabiot, a midfielder, confirmed that the players’ decisions were individual, but many felt relief after the results. “I’ve always said that sports and politics don’t always go well together,” he said.

Racism is a personal experience for many players, and their voices carry more weight than political commentators. Boniface explained that players like Mbappe, Kounde, Thuram, Dembele, and Dayot Upamecano have been victims of racism and discrimination. They see RN as a racist party and want to fight against it.

It wasn’t just footballers who spoke out against RN. Over 200 athletes signed an open letter before the first round of voting, including basketball star Victor Wembanyama, former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli, and rugby great Serge Betsen.

Mbappe’s words, which some saw as suggesting dangers on both sides of the political spectrum, also appealed directly to young people. “I want to talk to the whole of the French people, but also the youth,” he said. “We are a generation that can make a difference.”

The French football team consists of players from diverse backgrounds, and their voices have had a significant impact. Boniface believes that the team’s influence has helped prevent RN from coming to power. “The football team is one of the few things that unites the country. Once the competition begins, everyone is for the team. There is no left or right. There is no ‘Are you Muslim? Are you Jewish or are you Christian?’”

As important as the tournament is, the French squad may have had an even broader impact on their society. By speaking out against RN, the players have shown that they care about their country’s future and are willing to take action.

Note: This article is written in a way that is easy to understand for students preparing for competitive exams. The content is not summarized, and the language is simple and clear. The heading is also provided at the beginning.

Historical Context:

The article discusses the French legislative election and the role of French football players in speaking out against the far-right National Rally (RN) party. The election took place in June 2022, and the results showed that the RN surprisingly lost in the second round. This event is significant because it marks a shift in the political landscape of France, where the far-right party had been gaining popularity in recent years.

The article also mentions the upcoming Euro 2024 tournament, which is a major international football competition. The timing of the election coincides with the tournament, making the players’ voices more prominent than usual.

Summary in Bullet Points:

• Kylian Mbappe, a prominent French football player, warned against “extremes” before the French legislative election, urging people to vote against the far-right National Rally (RN) party. • Several French footballers, including Ousmane Dembele, Marcus Thuram, and Ibrahima Konate, celebrated on social media after the RN’s defeat, indicating their support for the opposing parties. • Mbappe’s words were seen as a warning against both the far-right and the far-left, appealing directly to young people and emphasizing the importance of unity. • The French football team consists of players from diverse backgrounds, and their voices have had a significant impact on the country’s political landscape. • The team’s influence has helped prevent the RN from coming to power, according to Pascal Boniface, the founding director of the French Institute for International and Strategic Affairs. • The players’ decision to speak out against the RN was seen as a way to fight against racism and discrimination, as many of them have personally experienced these issues. • The article suggests that the French football team’s influence has helped to unite the country, transcending political divisions and religious differences. • The players’ actions have shown that they care about their country’s future and are willing to take action, making them a positive force in French society.