French players relieved after parliamentary elections results

The surprising outcome in the second round of the French parliamentary elections on Sunday came as a relief for the national team players ahead of the Euro 2024 semi-final against Spain.

The left-wing New Popular Front (NFP) pulled off a surprise and came out on top, with the far-right National Rally party, which was leading after the first round, falling to third place.

"Long live diversity, long live the Republic, long live France," forward Marcus Thuram wrote on Instagram.

He congratulated everyone who "responded to the threat that had loomed over our beautiful country" and ended his message saying: "The fight continues."

Thuram is among the players who had already clearly commented on the political situation in France following the outcome of the European Parliament election.

The National Rally received more than 31% of the votes, while President Emmanuel Macron's party received just under 15%. Macron then subsequently called for new elections in France.

Defender Aurélien Tchouameni wrote on X: "The victory of the people, while centre back Jules Koundé also congratulated French citizens, expressing relief that France would not be governed by the far-right.

The political debate has accompanied the France national team throughout the entire Euro 2024. Captain Kylian Mbappé has taken a clear stance against the far-right multiple times.

France face Spain in the semi-final in Munich on Tuesday.