Mbappe Faces Far-Right Criticism After Opposing Extremism Before Euro 2024

French political leader Jordan Bardella has criticised Kylian Mbappe for his comments on the extremes in parliamentary elections before their game against Austria at Euro 2024. Striker Marcus Thuram also expressed his stance on the party, urging people to fight daily to prevent Bardella's National Rally (RN) from gaining power in France, with a general election set for July.

Mbappe later used his pre-match press conference to align himself with Thuram's values, though he did not explicitly mention the RN. "I am against extreme views and ideas that divide people. I want to be proud to represent France; I don't want to represent a country that doesn't correspond to my values or our values," Mbappe stated. He added that the extremes are knocking at the doors of power.

Mbappe's remarks immediately drew criticism from Bardella, who expressed his displeasure. "I have a lot of respect for our footballers, whether Marcus Thuram or Kylian Mbappe, who are icons of football and youth," Bardella told CNews TV. "But we must respect the French and everyone's vote. When you have a very big salary and are a multi-millionaire, it's a bit embarrassing to see these athletes give lessons to people who can no longer make ends meet, who no longer feel safe, and who do not have the chance to live in neighbourhoods overprotected by security agents."

Meanwhile, Mbappe faces other concerns as reports suggest he will miss France's game against the Netherlands on Friday after suffering a broken nose in the 1-0 win over Austria.

Des ides de masques ? - Kylian Mbapp (@KMbappe) June 17, 2024