In a powerful statement, French football captain Kylian Mbappé has emphasized the urgency of voting in this weekend's election, describing the first-round results as "catastrophic." Speaking at a press conference ahead of Les Bleus' Euro 2024 quarterfinal match against Portugal, Mbappé highlighted the importance of participation, stating, "More than ever, it's time to vote. It's really urgent."

Mbappé expressed concern about the future of his country, stating, "We can't leave our country in the hands of these people." He called for mobilization and encouraged voters to support the right side. Earlier, before the first round of elections, Mbappé had emphasized the significance of the legislative elections, urging citizens to vote against extremists who aim to divide the country.

The first-round results saw Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella's far-right National Rally and its allies secure over 31 percent of the vote, putting them in the lead. Their party now aims to obtain a majority in parliament and form a government, raising concerns among those who oppose their ideology.

Mbappé is not alone in his opposition to the far-right. Jules Koundé, a defender for FC Barcelona and a member of the French national squad, condemned the National Rally, describing it as a party founded on hatred, misinformation, and division. Likewise, Ibrahima Konaté, a center-back for Liverpool and France, expressed his worries about the political situation in France. He voiced regret over the discrimination faced by Muslims and immigrants, sharing the personal experiences of his own parents.

While the French Football Federation has maintained its neutrality, urging politicians not to exploit the French team's image for their own purposes, its president, Philippe Diallo, acknowledged being moved by Konaté's concerns, particularly given his family's immigrant background. Diallo acknowledged the unsettling general context, stating that the focus should ideally be on the Euro and the performance of the French team.

In contrast, England's John Stones revealed that politics remained absent from the team's camp despite the general election in the United Kingdom on Thursday.

As the election's second round approaches, the calls from Mbappé and other players for citizens to vote against the far-right have gained significant attention. The outcome of the election will have a profound impact on the future direction of the country, prompting widespread debate and discussion among supporters and opponents of the National Rally.