Mbappe Voices 'Far-Right Concerns' vs. French Far-Right Leader: 'PSG Wins Without You'

Tensions Rise as National Rally (RN) Gains Momentum in France

French soccer star Kylian Mbappe has engaged in a heated exchange with a politician from his country’s far-right party.

In an interview with the American pop culture magazine Vanity Fair on May 12 (local time), Mbappe stated, “Even though we are football players, we are citizens with a voice like everyone else,” expressing his wariness toward France’s far-right National Rally (RN).

France is scheduled to hold its presidential election next year. The National Rally is currently leading recent party support polls with a percentage in the mid-30s and also secured victory in the Nice mayoral election in March. Nice is one of France’s five largest cities (Paris, Marseille, Lyon, Toulouse, Nice).

French soccer star Kylian Mbappe. Photo by AP News Agency

Mbappe explained, “What happens in our country and being a football player are not separate. Sometimes people think that, because we are famous, we are not concerned with these issues, but they do affect me,” adding, “I know very well what it means and what consequences can result for us when people like them (the far-right) come to power.”

He emphasized, “We cannot just stand by, thinking everything will be fine, and go out to play. We have to fight against the idea that we should just play and keep our mouths shut.” Mbappe is a second-generation French immigrant, born to a father from Cameroon and a mother of Algerian descent.

Jean-Marie Le Pen, founder of the National Front (FN), the predecessor of the RN, once remarked in 1998 that there were too many players of African descent on the French national team.

Jordan Bardella, leader of the National Rally (RN), which is leading in party support polls. Photo by AFP News Agency

Meanwhile, after Mbappe’s interview was released, Jordan Bardella (30), leader of the RN and a leading presidential candidate, responded through his X (formerly Twitter) account. He sarcastically stated, “I know what will happen after Mbappe leaves Paris Saint-Germain (PSG, a French professional football team): PSG will win the Champions League (UCL).” Mbappe previously played for PSG, but after his transfer to Real Madrid in Spain, PSG lifted their first Champions League trophy since the club’s founding.

Mbappe and Bardella also exchanged words during the early general elections in 2024. At that time, after Mbappe declared, “I stand against all forms of extremism,” Bardella responded, “I respect Mbappe, but it’s uncomfortable for a millionaire who doesn’t have to worry about making a living to lecture French people who are suffering greatly.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.