Former Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy is facing criticism for comments made in a column for the outlet El Debate, in which he stated that France's World Cup team “does not have any French players." The remarks, made ahead of the World Cup semifinal match between France and Spain, have been called racist by leaders in both countries.
Rajoy, a member of Spain’s conservative Popular Party, wrote on July 10, “They’ve won every match they’ve played at this World Cup and are currently top of the FIFA rankings. They also have an exceptionally strong squad. That said, one thing they don’t have is any French players."
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot responded on French broadcaster BFM TV, stating that “France has no skin color. Any contrary claim stems from stupidity, racism or a combination of the two." Philippe Diallo, president of the French Football Federation, wrote on X that Rajoy's remarks “carry intolerable whiffs of racism” and questioned the “deplorable climate that gives rise to such sentiments,” adding that French players “do not need a certificate of nationality from a former Spanish prime minister.”
Spain's ruling Socialist government swiftly condemned Rajoy's comments. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez referenced the remarks without naming his predecessor, writing on X, “There are those who still measure belonging by surname, place of birth, or skin color. Others measure it by our roots in a country and our will to contribute to it. Playing soccer. Caring for our elders. Or opening businesses. France, we’ll see you in the semifinals. May the best one win and may racism lose."
Spain's Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares also spoke out, calling for the Popular Party's leader, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, to disavow Rajoy's statements.
This is not the first instance of France's team facing accusations of racism during the current World Cup. Earlier in the tournament, French captain Kylian Mbappé condemned remarks made by a Paraguayan senator following France's round of 16 victory over Paraguay. Senator Celeste Amarilla had posted comments on X mocking the French player's origins, upbringing, education, and appearance.