Liberte, egalite, fraternite. Liberty, equality, fraternityBrotherhood. A feeling of friendship and support. - the motto of the French Republic. But, if you speak to French football fans at this year's European Championship, you will hear a different message. Liberte, egalite, Mbappe.

Kylian Mbappe 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. Could politics be next?

In a press conference at this year's football tournament, 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."¹

These comments came soon after the French president, 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 election. Macron's own party, Renaissance, belongs in the centre of the political spectrum. According to current polls, it is likely to come third behind two more extreme choices on the left and the right.

Leading the polls is the far-right party National Rally. The party leader, the 28-year-old Jordan Bardella, could become the next prime minister. Despite his conservative views on immigration, he makes regular TikTok videos that connect with young people. However, he criticised Mbappe comments, arguing that "we must respect everyone's vote"."²

Mbappe said that he wanted to feel proud to represent France at the football tournament. But was it a mistake to alienate many of the French people who support the far-right?

Footballers are some of the famous and influential sports stars in the world. There is no reason why they cannot hold political views, or use their wealth and fame to make lasting change.

For example, England star Marcus Rashford started a campaign so that children who received free school meals during term time could have the same support during the holidays. The cause was important to him because of his own family's struggles when growing up. He said that ending child poverty was a trophy "much bigger than football".³

But that does not mean footballers know more about everyday people than politicians. Jordan Bardella is the son of an immigrant who grew up in a council block in a poor neighbourhood of Paris. He pointed out that Mbappe is a multimillionaire, who should not "give lessons to people who can no longer make ends meet, who no longer feel safe".⁴

France has a hugely successful football team. Many of their players come from immigrant families, and they are seen a symbol of unity. This is why several politicians have tried to win their support - most notably Emmanuel Macron. However, the popularity of the far-right in France is largely due to the view that the elites - whether footballers or politicians - are out of touch.

Mbappe had another message during his press conference. He warned people against thinking that their vote would have no effect on the election's outcome. "Your voice can make a difference," he told France's youth⁵ - a message every politician would likely agree with.

Should footballers stay out of politics?

Yes: Footballers are meant to symbols for a whole nation, not just the people who agree with their views. Besides, most are so wealthy that they are out of touch with everyday people.

No: Football players are some of the most influential figures in public life. They should use that power to inspire young people and make the world a better place.

Or... Famous sports stars will get criticised whatever they do. But, whereas politics often divides people, football can bring them together.

Fraternity - Brotherhood. A feeling of friendship and support.

Emmanuel Macron - The current president of France, nicknamed "Jupiter" after the chief of the Roman deities for his top-down manner of governance.