The internet has discovered a new heartthrob, and it's a young version of French President Emmanuel Macron. A set of photographs from 1999, when Macron was just 21 or 22 years old, has sent social media into a frenzy, with users globally marveling at his striking youthful appearance.
Viral Post Shows Macron's Youthful Charm
An X user named Francois Valentin shared the now-viral post, which features pictures of Emmanuel Macron from the year 1999. The caption highlighted the timing, noting, "Time flies! This is what Emmanuel Macron looked like when the EU-Mercosur trade negotiations started." The post has garnered massive attention, amassing over 782,000 views and 8,600 likes.
The images offer a glimpse into the past of the man who would later become the youngest French President in history at age 39 and is currently serving his term. The contrast between the young student and the seasoned world leader has captivated online audiences.
Internet Erupts with Reactions and Comparisons
Netizens have been enthusiastically reacting to Macron's photos, drawing comparisons to various celebrities and expressing their admiration.
Many users made playful comparisons, noting his resemblance to actor Jason Segel from 'How I Met Your Mother' and Uruguayan football legend Diego Forlán. Comments ranged from lighthearted admiration to shock at his good looks.
One user wrote, "Imagine looking this good and still picking an older woman with children and then never having your own," referencing his marriage to Brigitte Macron. Another quipped, "Man really used to be whiteboy of the year material." Others simply appreciated the era, with one comment stating, "Gotta admit great hair! I can totally see him in those Parisian clubs raving to Daft Punk and French House. What a time to be alive back then."
The sentiment was overwhelmingly positive, with users agreeing he was "extremely handsome" then and "still is" now. The viral moment even sparked the humorous question, "Are we ready to forgive Brigitte?"
Background: The EU-Mercosur Trade Deal and Macron's Journey
The viral post coincides with a significant geopolitical event. The EU and Mercosur are set to finalise their long-pending free trade agreement in Asuncion, concluding negotiations that began in 1999—the very year the photos were taken. The signing is scheduled for January 17 in Paraguay.
Mercosur is a major South American trade bloc created by Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay in 1991. The deal represents the EU's largest free trade agreement by tariff cuts, poised to eliminate over €4 billion in duties on EU exports. Interestingly, France, under Macron's leadership, has been a leading voice opposing the deal, citing concerns that reduced trade barriers could harm domestic agriculture.
Emmanuel Macron was born in Amiens, France, on December 21, 1977. He married his high school drama teacher, Brigitte Macron, in 2007, a relationship that began when he was a student. Before his presidency, he worked as a finance inspector, an investment banker at Rothschild & Cie Banque, served as a deputy secretary-general to former President François Hollande, and was the Minister of Economy, Industry and Digital Affairs. He was elected President of France in 2017.
