Political Outrage Over the French Women’s Team’s Refusal to Wear Rainbow Armbands at Euro 2025
Calls for Visible Support Spark Politicians’ Disappointment
Marine Tondelier, National Secretary of the French Green Party, publicly voiced her disappointment on social media following the French women’s national team’s choice not to wear the rainbow armband during the Euro 2025 tournament — a symbol of support for the LGBTQ+ community. In a post on X, she first commented on France’s quarter-final elimination against Germany, then directed attention to a deeper concern: “Like everyone, I’m disappointed by the Bleues’ early exit. But I’m even more let down by their refusal to wear the rainbow armband against homophobia — a gesture embraced by most teams at the tournament.”
A Symbolic Opportunity Missed
Tondelier emphasized the symbolic importance of such a gesture in a tournament featuring numerous LGBTQ+ players. “With so many LGBTQ+ athletes participating, this was the perfect chance to show visible solidarity and do better than the men did in Qatar,” she stated. Her criticism extended beyond the players — she called out French sports authorities for their lack of proactive engagement in promoting LGBTQ+ inclusivity.
The Players Advocate for Broader Inclusion
Responding to the backlash, French team captain Griedge Mbock addressed the media, defending the squad’s decision. “We are a diverse group — multicultural, multireligious, with different sexual orientations. A single armband doesn’t define the causes we support,” she said. Instead, the team chose to wear an armband emblazoned with the word “Respect,” which they considered to be a broader, more inclusive message.
Coaching Staff Reiterates Support for the Team’s Choice
Laurent Bonadei, assistant coach of the French team, supported the players’ standpoint. “The word ‘Respect’ covers many causes, including anti-racism efforts. It’s more than just a message for the LGBTQ+ community — it’s a strong, unifying gesture,” he explained. Bonadei also noted that the players were not informed about UEFA’s specific campaign promoting the rainbow armband, which might have influenced their decision.
Government Silence Raises Eyebrows
The lack of an official government response regarding the French women’s team’s stance has sparked additional criticism. This is especially striking considering that earlier, Sports Minister Marie Barsacq had labeled a male Ligue 1 player’s refusal to wear the rainbow armband as a “professional misconduct.” The contrasting responses highlight potential inconsistencies in the public discourse and raise questions about the state’s role in promoting inclusion and equality in professional sports.
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