None of my children will go to war: Eric Cantona opposes Donald Trump and proposes a law to avoid armed conflicts.

When he appears in the media, Éric Cantona never minces his words. Away from the world of football, the former striker for Manchester United and the French national team does not hesitate to engage politically during his rare interviews. He did not miss the opportunity to do so during an interview with Clique, the Canal+ show hosted by Mouloud Achour.

Invited in connection with the release of his album Perfect imperfection, the one who has been trying his hand at music for several years took the opportunity to sweep through international news, notably the war in Iran, reignited following the Israeli-American attack on February 28. Opposed to war, the former striker, now 59 years old, proposed a very precise – and original – idea to prevent the proliferation of global conflicts.

Indeed, Cantona imagined the creation of an “international law” that says “if a president decides to go to war, he should be the first on the front line, instead of sending 18-year-olds”. “And then, I think there would be a lot less wars,” estimated the four-time English champion.

“They are all in 25-meter offices and then we send 18-year-olds to their deaths,” he denounced, citing the example of Donald Trump. “When you are the oppressor, you send 18-year-olds from your home, but often on the other side, they are not 18-year-olds. They are kids of 3 years, 11 years. Innocents, civilians. Or soldiers. But there would be fewer wars if we did that, I think. Because there are not many brave people,” scolded the former player turned actor and musician.

Cantona concluded his rant with a clear statement: “None of my children will go to war. Zero. For what? For whom? For what? The Unknown Soldier is just to encourage others to go,” he assured.

The former Manchester United star has previously taken strong political stances. The most recent one dates back to September 19, 2025. As part of his participation in the “Together for Palestine” concert in London, “King Éric” had called for Israel’s exclusion from football competitions.

“The Fifa and UEFA must suspend Israel,” he insisted. “Clubs and players all over the world must refuse to play against Israeli teams. We remember apartheid in South Africa. Sporting boycott was crucial to ending it. We have power, you have power. And all football fans have the power to leave the stands. I know that international football is more than a sport, it’s cultural, it’s political. It’s soft power. The time has come to suspend Israel from this privilege,” he hoped.