Kylian MbappeA French footballer born in 1998. is a national hero. Aged just 25, he is already captain of France, a World Cup winner, a record goal scorer for his club and one of the best-paid players in history.

In a press conferenceA media event in which politicians, individuals or organisations invite journalists to ask them questions. at the Euros, Mbappe warned that "the extremes are at the gates of power... that's why I'm calling on all young people to go out and vote".

He was speaking after French leader Emmanuel MacronThe current president of France, nicknamed "Jupiter" after the chief of the Roman deities for his top-down manner of governance. called a surprise electionA vote in which someone is chosen to represent a group of people. . Experts think the far-rightA range of ideologies that emphasise social order, racial purity and the elimination of opponents. party National Rally could win power. Their party leader, 28-year-old Jordan Bardella, could become the next prime minister. Bardella has anti-immigrationThe permanent movement of people into a country. views. He criticised Mbappe's comments, arguing that "we must respect everyone's vote".

Mbappe is not the first footballer to talk about politics. England star Marcus RashfordThe Manchester United player has campaigned against racism, homelessness and child hunger and promoted literacy. started a campaign so that children who received free school meals during term time could have the same support during the holidays.

But that does not mean footballers know more than politicians. Jordan Bardella is the son of an immigrant who grew up in a poor part of ParisThe capital of France. In mythology, Paris was a Trojan prince who caused the war with the Greeks by stealing Helen, the beautiful wife of King Menelaus of Sparta.. He argues that as Mbappe is a multimillionaire, and so cannot understand the worries of ordinary people.

Some experts think that the far-right is popular in France as many believe that the elitesThe richest, most powerful, best-educated or best-trained members of society. - whether footballers or politicians - are out of touch.

Should footballers stay out of politics?

Yes! Footballers are meant to represent the whole country - not just those who they agree with. Most are so rich that they cannot really understand the lives of ordinary people.

No! Footballers have a huge amount of power to influenceHave an effect on something else, and especially persuade them to act in your favour. others. They should use that power to inspire young people and make the world a better place.