Mariano Rajoy, the former Prime Minister of Spain, has ignited significant political controversy with his recent comments regarding the French national football team just days before their World Cup semifinal match against Spain, set for Tuesday in Dallas.
In an article for the Spanish publication El Debate, Rajoy analyzed Spain’s recent 2-1 victory over Belgium and addressed the upcoming semifinal. While he acknowledged that France boasts a “first-rate team,” he controversially remarked that they play “without French players,” referencing the diverse backgrounds of many French athletes.
This statement highlights that a significant number of French footballers come from immigrant families or former colonies. However, it’s important to note that among the 26 players selected by coach Didier Deschamps, only three—Michael Olise, born in London; Marcus Thuram, born in Parma; and Brice Samba, born in the Democratic Republic of Congo—were born outside France.
Waves of Negative Reactions
The comments have drawn sharp criticism from various political figures in Spain. José Cepeda, a Spanish MEP from the left-wing PSOE party, condemned Rajoy’s remarks as “racist and xenophobic,” expressing that it is “shameful” to make such statements.
In France, the remarks have also sparked discussions on social media among political personalities. Aurore Bergé, the Minister Delegate for Gender Equality and Combating Discrimination, described the repeated racist outbursts as “unacceptable,” asserting that it is time to halt such rhetoric and allow sports to return to being judged solely on talent.
Fabien Roussel, the National Secretary of the French Communist Party, has called for Rajoy to be “condemned,” stating that some cannot refrain from spreading vile racism in attempts to provoke the French national team.
Roussel compared Rajoy’s comments to recent remarks made by a Paraguayan politician about Kylian Mbappé, which led to a Paris prosecutor opening an investigation for aggravated public insult, following a complaint filed with the National Center for Combating Online Hatred in Paris.
This ongoing debate about French football and immigration traces back to the 1998 World Cup, where the team was celebrated as a symbol of multiculturalism. However, the National Front led by Jean-Marie Le Pen has historically argued that the team does not truly represent France.
The timing of this controversy coincides with an official visit from Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to Paris, scheduled for Tuesday, Bastille Day, the same day Spain and France will face off in the Dallas semifinal.
