The French players already have a reason to celebrate at the European Championships: the outcome of the elections in their home country.
In Sunday’s runoff election for the French parliament, a left-wing coalition trying to keep the far right out of power in France won the most seats.
“The victory of the people,” wrote French midfielder Aurélien Tchouameni on X.
The Rassemblement National achieved great success in the first round of the election on June 30. This means that the extreme right could take over the government in France for the first time since the Second World War.
“Congratulations to everyone who came forward in the face of the danger that hangs over our country,” wrote French striker Marcus Thuram in his Instagram story after posting a graphic of the predicted result.
“Long live diversity, long live the Republic, long live France. The fight continues.”
Thuram had already spoken out last month about the “sad reality” of the political situation in his homeland, and French players have repeatedly spoken out loudly at the 2024 European Championships, calling for people to vote in the parliamentary elections.
Captain Kylian Mbappé had warned that his country was in a “catastrophic” political situation.
“The relief is as great as the worry of the last few weeks, it is enormous,” wrote France defender Jules Koundé on X.
“Congratulations to all French people who have mobilized so that this beautiful country of France is not ruled by the extreme right.”
France will face Spain in the semi-finals in Munich on Tuesday and will be hoping to reach a major final for the fourth time in the last eight years. On Sunday, France would face either England or the Netherlands in Berlin.
The French players did not follow the elections as a group, but went to their rooms after training and dinner.
“We were worried because it’s important, even if we have other things on our minds,” said midfielder Adrien Rabiot. “We didn’t talk about it together, but I think a lot of people were relieved.”
“I have always said that sport and politics do not go well together. We have a semi-final to play. We asked people to vote and the turnout was very high, democracy has spoken. We have to leave the analysis to others who know better. Is that a good thing or a bad thing? I don’t know.”