First published in Respekt.
One of the most famous footballers in the world has repeatedly called on people not to vote for the National Rally. The party has responded by mocking him.
French football star Kylian Mbappé has thrown himself into a match on home turf. His opponent is the National Rally, the far-right, anti-immigration party of Marine Le Pen. Mbappé said in a recent interview with the American monthly Vanity Fair that he feared for the future of his country if it were to be led by a National Rally president.
National Rally representatives responded with jibes that when Mbappe left Paris Saint-Germain, the club went on to win the Champions League. But at the same time, they are aware of his popularity and status, commenting that the “elitist” Mbappé should focus on football rather than politics.
Mbappé countered that, as a French citizen, he is entitled to express his views on politics and concerns about what France would look like if next year’s elections were won by Le Pen or her party colleague Jordan Bardella, who, according to opinion polls, are strong contenders.
