Key Takeaways
- The French national soccer team has been using a charter airline that operates ICE’s removal flights.
- Global Crossing Airlines (GlobalX) has flown the French team on at least three domestic flights.
- The same company has operated more than half of ICE's removal flights in 2024 and 2025.
The French national soccer team, known for its star player Kylian Mbappé who is outspoken against far-right politicians, has been using a charter airline that operates deportation flights. According to flight tracking data and social media images, the team has used Global Crossing Airlines (GlobalX) for at least three domestic flights between their World Cup games and base camp in Boston.
This revelation comes as Kylian Mbappé, who is one of the world’s most prominent athletes against far-right politics, has been vocal about his stance. His use of a company involved in deportation operations could be seen as hypocritical by some fans and critics alike.
Global Crossing Airlines (GlobalX) has played a significant role in ICE's mass deportation campaign. The airline has operated more than half of ICE’s removal flights in 2024 and 2025, making it a central player in the controversial operations. This connection between the French national team and an airline involved in such sensitive matters has raised eyebrows among observers.
The use of GlobalX by the French national team highlights the complex interplay between sports and politics. While Mbappé is known for his activism against far-right policies, his actions on the field have been overshadowed by this revelation. The controversy could impact public perception of the team and its players, especially in light of their strong stance against such issues.
Kylian Mbappé has previously expressed his concerns about human rights abuses and the treatment of migrants. His use of a company involved in deportation flights could be seen as contradictory to his public statements. The incident may prompt further scrutiny of the team’s choices and the values they represent.
The French national team's management has not commented on the matter, leaving fans and critics to speculate about the implications of this connection. The controversy could affect the team’s image both domestically and internationally, especially as they prepare for upcoming matches in the World Cup.
As the World Cup progresses, the use of deportation planes by the French national team may continue to be a topic of discussion among sports fans and human rights advocates. The incident serves as a reminder of the complex relationships between different sectors of society and the potential contradictions that can arise.
