Former French international Willy Sagnol has officially thrown his support behind Cannes mayor David Lisnard ahead of the next presidential election.
Former French international defender Willy Sagnol has announced his endorsement of David Lisnard for the next presidential election. The announcement was made during a podcast hosted by the campaign team of the Cannes mayor, who also serves as president of the Nouvelle Énergie party. The 1998 World Cup winner thus joins the circle of sports figures lending their support to a declared or presumed candidate.
Willy Sagnol, aged 48, enjoyed a rich career at clubs such as Bayern Munich and Juventus Turin before turning to coaching. He managed the Girondins de Bordeaux and the Georgia national team, with whom he enjoyed a fine run at the last European Championship. His profile as an accomplished sportsman and his fame could provide additional visibility for David Lisnard's campaign, which is seeking to broaden its base beyond traditional right-wing circles.
David Lisnard, who has led the city of Cannes since 2014, embodies a political line that is liberal on economic matters and tough on security issues. He founded Nouvelle Énergie in 2021, a movement he presents as an ideas laboratory for the right. His candidacy for the Élysée has not yet been officially declared, but he is multiplying trips and public appearances to make himself known to the general public.
Willy Sagnol's endorsement comes at a time when several sports figures have recently expressed their political preferences. However, this type of announcement remains rare and attracts media attention, especially since the former footballer had not previously shown any marked partisan commitment. His support could be interpreted as a sign of credibility for the Cannes mayor, who is trying to appeal to a younger and more working-class electorate.
On the side of David Lisnard's campaign team, this heavyweight reinforcement is being welcomed. Willy Sagnol, through his career and image, could take part in field operations or thematic meetings, particularly around sport and youth. It remains to be seen whether other personalities will follow this example in the coming months, as the race for the Élysée accelerates.
Willy Sagnol, aged 48, enjoyed a rich career at clubs such as Bayern Munich and Juventus Turin before turning to coaching. He managed the Girondins de Bordeaux and the Georgia national team, with whom he enjoyed a fine run at the last European Championship. His profile as an accomplished sportsman and his fame could provide additional visibility for David Lisnard's campaign, which is seeking to broaden its base beyond traditional right-wing circles.
David Lisnard, who has led the city of Cannes since 2014, embodies a political line that is liberal on economic matters and tough on security issues. He founded Nouvelle Énergie in 2021, a movement he presents as an ideas laboratory for the right. His candidacy for the Élysée has not yet been officially declared, but he is multiplying trips and public appearances to make himself known to the general public.
Willy Sagnol's endorsement comes at a time when several sports figures have recently expressed their political preferences. However, this type of announcement remains rare and attracts media attention, especially since the former footballer had not previously shown any marked partisan commitment. His support could be interpreted as a sign of credibility for the Cannes mayor, who is trying to appeal to a younger and more working-class electorate.
On the side of David Lisnard's campaign team, this heavyweight reinforcement is being welcomed. Willy Sagnol, through his career and image, could take part in field operations or thematic meetings, particularly around sport and youth. It remains to be seen whether other personalities will follow this example in the coming months, as the race for the Élysée accelerates.
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Source: Ouest-France