(sabasports resport) A week after France’s far-right National League won a landslide victory in European elections and President Emmanuel Macron set off a political earthquake by dissolving parliament, the prospect of a far-right rise rocked the European soccer tournament. Despite the French football federation’s call for “neutrality,” Azzurri captain Kylian Mbappe publicly said he was “against extreme and divisive ideas.” A day earlier, teammate Marcus Thuram also said, “We have to fight to keep the Nationals out.”
French legislative elections take place on June 30 and July 7, with opinion polls showing the far right continuing to lead by a wide margin. On the eve of the World Cup runner-up France’s game against Austria in Dusseldorf, Mbappe walked out of the stadium to talk to the media about the upcoming French parliamentary elections. “We are at a critical moment in the history of the country, the situation is unprecedented, and that is why I want to say to all the French people, to the young generation, that they can change the situation!” he said.
The captain of the French football team made it clear that he was “against extreme and divisive ideas”. At this juncture, the comments of Mr. Mbappe and his teammates have not only caused waves on the soccer pitch, but also in society. They hope to use their influence to call attention to the future of the country and work for unity and peace.