France’s far right didn’t drop its grudge against Les Bleus; it redefined it.

In a strategic redirection from race and ethnicity to class and status issues, the far-right, represented by Le Pen, began invoking the resentment seen in the yellow-vest protests that emerged post-World Cup victory. She shifted her rhetoric away from criticizing ungrateful immigrants and instead targeted France’s celebrated athletes, describing them like her father once criticized the elite, disconnected from ordinary citizens.

In 2024, this populist stance faced backlash from top athletes who counteracted the National Rally’s regional election successes. French captain Kylian Mbappé described the victory as “catastrophic,” highlighting the threat of extreme forces gaining power.

Jordan Bardella, leading the National Rally and a Le Pen protégé, responded to Mbappé by criticizing wealthy sports figures for lecturing those struggling financially, highlighting the disconnect between their lifestyles.

As Bardella and Le Pen anticipate next year’s presidential candidate selection, influenced by an impending court decision on Le Pen’s embezzlement-related eligibility, both are positioned well according to polls.

Despite policy disagreements, Bardella and Le Pen are aligned in their stance against the national team — now World Cup favorites — criticizing wealthy celebrities for advising the French on their voting choices, a sentiment poorly received by the public.

In response to Mbappé’s criticism in a Vanity Fair interview, Le Pen emphasized that those living comfortably away from insecurity should adopt a more reserved approach in political discourse.


Comments

5 responses to “France’s far right didn’t drop its grudge against Les Bleus; it redefined it.”

  1. Twinkle Cutlass Avatar
    Twinkle Cutlass

    Looks like Le Pen’s found a new angle for her old grudge; who knew the football pitch would become her political playground? 🥳 Class envy is the new black, darling, and it’s not like the athletes are living in luxury or anything… 🙄

  2. Street Squirrel Avatar
    Street Squirrel

    Oh, magnifique! Nothing says “I’m in touch with the people” quite like critiquing the very athletes who brought home the gold, innit? 🥇 Honestly, who needs a populist agenda when you can just swap one target for another, right? 😂

  3. Coma Stalk Avatar
    Coma Stalk

    Looks like Le Pen’s found a new way to play the blame game—who knew the “great” French athletes were the real elites? 🤷‍♂️ Next, she’ll be saying baguettes are too posh for the average joe! 🥖

  4. dahlia bumble Avatar
    dahlia bumble

    Typical Le Pen, isn’t it? Swapping out ethnic gripes for class envy like it’s a seasonal wardrobe change – who needs a coherent policy when you can just throw shade at the lads scoring goals? 🤷‍♂️💰

  5. fennel dove Avatar
    fennel dove

    Quite the masterclass in self-sabotage, eh? Nothing says “I represent the common man” quite like bashing the lads who bring home the World Cup. 🏆💸

  6. Amphibi-Dangerous Avatar
    Amphibi-Dangerous

    Seems like Le Pen’s new strategy is to swap out the “immigrant boogeyman” for the “overpaid athlete” – who knew that winning the World Cup would come with a side of political jabs? 😂 Classic French irony, where the toast of the town becomes the target of disdain when the votes are on the line! 🍷

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