France players celebrate victory over National Rally Party
- France players publicly celebrate the defeat of Marine Le Pen and the National Rally Party.
- Supporters also took to the streets to celebrate a surprise win for the left-wing alliance in France, leading to clashes with riot police.
- The victory is seen as a significant political moment in France.
In a surprising turn of events, the far-right National Rally led by Marine Le Pen suffered a defeat in France's snap election, prompting celebrations among members of the national football team, many of whom have African heritage. As the team gears up for their Euro 2024 semi-final against Spain, players like Ibrahima Konate, Marcus Thuram, Jules Kounde, Ousmane Dembele, and Aurelien Tchouameni expressed gratitude to voters for halting the far-right's advance. The New Popular Front, a coalition of left, centre-left, and Green parties, now holds the largest share of seats in the National Assembly, with players using their platforms to urge young voters to reject extremism. Kylian Mbappe, the team's star and captain, along with other players, had previously called on young people to vote to prevent the far-right from gaining power. The victory of the leftwing alliance led by Jean-Luc Melenchon was met with relief and joy by players like Kounde, who expressed immense relief at the outcome. The fight against extremism continues, with players like Thuram emphasizing the importance of diversity and democracy in France. The political stance taken by the players has been evident on social media, with Dembele sharing voting breakdowns and Thuram highlighting the danger faced by the country. Despite criticism from Le Pen, who accused Mbappe of dictating how people should vote, the players remain vocal in their support for democracy and inclusivity. Leftist party leader Melenchon has called for President Macron to step down or choose a new prime minister from the winning leftwing alliance, as thousands celebrated the victory over the far right in Paris. As France prepares to face Spain in the Euro 2024 semi-final, the players' celebration of 'the people's victory' reflects a broader sentiment of relief and hope for a future free from extremism. The political engagement of the national team members underscores the intersection of sports and social issues, with their voices amplifying calls for unity and progress in the country.