Kylian Mbappe is undoubtedly one of the biggest names in world football, so when he speaks, the world tends to listen.
The Real Madrid superstar has had a fine individual campaign for the Spanish giants this season, netting 41 goals in all competitions, and has been named in Didier Deschamps' squad for the World Cup this summer, where he will wear the captain's armband.
But the forward has been in the headlines for completely different reasons, with his political opinions becoming the talk of the town in his homeland ahead of some upcoming elections.
Far-Right Politicians Mock Mbappe
Kylian Mbappe
Marine La Pen's far-right party were angered by Mbappe after he expressed concerns about them potentially winning an election next year.
The 27-year-old, who has Cameroonian and Algerian heritage, told Vanity Fair, via The Guardian:
“I know what it means and what consequences it can have for my country when people like them come to power.”
Jordan Bardella, who is the president of Le Pen's anti-immigration National Rally, immediately fired back at the former PSG star, mocking him for the fact his move to Real Madrid hasn't worked out, while PSG have now reached a second consecutive Champions League final.
Writing on his social media account, Bardella said:
“I know what happens when Kylian Mbappé leaves PSG: the club wins the Champions League! (And maybe soon a second time)."
Le Pen also responded, saying: "Frankly I think football fans are free enough to know who to vote for without being influenced by Mbappe," while Julien Odoul, an RN MP and party spokesperson, said that Mbappe should not become a 'political activist'
France Squad Back Mbappe
Kylian Mbappe celebrates scoring a goal in France's victory against Ukraine
With political tensions in France high, there have now been calls from some in the country that Mbappe should be stripped of his armband ahead of the World Cup this summer.
But according to reliable journalist Fabrice Hawkins, writing on his X account, the vast majority of the squad are backing Mbappe's comments privately, and they are in agreement with what he said.
"There are debates about Kylian Mbappé's captaincy with Les Bleus following his latest interview," he wrote.
"Like it or not, KM [Kylian Mbappe] said out loud what the vast, vast majority of players on the French national team think."