National Rally Responds to Kylian Mbappé Comments on Presidential Election
French football captain Kylian Mbappé expressed concerns about the National Rally winning next year’s presidential election. The party’s president and Marine Le Pen responded to the remarks. Mbappé, who plays for Real Madrid, cited the consequences for the country if the party came to power.
thehindu.comThe club went on to win the Champions League the following year. Marine Le Pen told RTL radio on Wednesday that she found it reassuring Mbappé did not want the party to win. She noted that his strategy of leaving Paris Saint-Germain to win at Real Madrid had not worked.
Le Pen added that football fans are free to decide how to vote without being influenced by Mbappé. A National Rally MP and party spokesperson said that as captain of the French team, Mbappé must represent all of France, including millions of National Rally voters.
The spokesperson said he should not become a political activist. In the Vanity Fair interview, Mbappé addressed criticism that he is too rich to comment on politics. He stated: “Even as a footballer, you’re foremost a citizen. ” Mbappé added that footballers “have our say, like everyone” and that the party’s gains in parliament in 2024 had shocked him and other players.
He said they could not simply play and keep quiet. Mbappé is the face of the national team, which is often seen as a symbol of diversity and is tipped by many to win this summer’s World Cup.
Its president could become the party’s candidate this summer if an appeals court upholds Marine Le Pen’s ban on running. The party is described as anti-immigration. Mbappé has worked to counter stereotypes about the diverse Paris suburbs where he was raised.
