They are both professional footballers, but they position themselves completely differently when it comes to climate protection. While Union professional Morten Thorsby is a climate activist, Kylian Mbappé doesn’t seem to care at all. That really annoys the new Berliner.
Soccer professional and climate activist Morten Thorsby from Bundesliga club 1. FC Union Berlin has harshly criticized the thoughtless behavior of superstar Kylian Mbappé and coach Christophe Galtier from Paris St. Germain. “It’s a pity, but not surprising. We are most disappointed in the coach, he should know better. We would like Mbappé to do the same,” Thorsby told Norwegian broadcaster NRK.
Mbappé and Galtier had been asked about a short-haul flight by the top French club to the game in Nantes and had reacted with ridicule. Galtier grinned, Mbappé even laughed out loud. “We spoke to our travel agency and asked if we could possibly travel with sand yachts in the future,” the coach said. Wind-powered buggies are popular on France’s beaches. Mbappé merely stated that he was “not concerned” about the matter.
Thorsby called the duo’s performance “extremely unfortunate because these people have an impact on so many others. It shows we still have a long way to go.” Only the coach later apologized, saying: “I am aware of our responsibility. It was a bad joke at a bad time and I regret it.” Mbappé’s management left a request from the AFP news agency unanswered.
Mbappé “hardly has anyone around who cares too much about the climate or the environment,” said Thorsby. The new Berliner, on the other hand, has been fighting for a better world for years. With his “We Play Green” initiative, he now wants to encourage clubs to appoint a “climate and environmental captain” in their teams. The 26-year-old also wants to get in touch with PSG.
“The stars have to lead the way and set an example,” he said. Even football professionals “do not have to live perfectly, but they have to support the changes that we need for a green turn,” Thorsby demanded.
