France national soccer team midfielder Warren Zaire-Emery has publicly responded to remarks made by former Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, who suggested that the French team lacks authentic French players because many are of color. Zaire-Emery emphasized the team's unity and the diverse origins of its members.
"The French team has players from different backgrounds and origins, as does the country," Zaire-Emery stated. "We are a united group, a united team, and that's all that matters."
Rajoy's comments, published in an opinion piece in the newspaper El Debate, have drawn criticism in France, particularly following a recent racial slur directed at French player Kylian Mbappe by a Paraguayan senator. Rajoy wrote, "They have a top-level squad. That said, they don't have any French players."
Zaire-Emery also addressed claims by Spanish player Lamine Yamal that France was "scared" of Spain. The French midfielder dismissed such talk as unproductive, stating that the focus should be on the upcoming match rather than social media exchanges.
"We are not afraid of anybody," Zaire-Emery said during a pre-match press conference ahead of France's World Cup semi-final against Spain. "These type of declarations will take place but personally I don't think this is very useful. The match is taking place tomorrow, not on social media."
Yamal had based his assertion on France's recent losses to Spain in the 2024 Euros and Nations League semi-finals. Zaire-Emery, however, acknowledged Yamal's skills while maintaining that on-field performance is what matters.
"Things like this happen. I've had the same at Barcelona," Zaire-Emery commented. "But you have to do everything on the pitch. We try not to take into account the declarations. Let's not focus too much on what's being said."
French manager Didier Deschamps suggested that Spain might be considered the favorites for the semi-final, a common pre-match tactic to manage expectations. He noted the high quality of both offensive teams.
"Spain confirmed that they are the favourites," Deschamps said. "I don't want to put pressure on Luis but I know people expect a lot of their team. We know that this match might be a spectacular one between two teams with plenty of quality offensively. It's not the revenge for us. The past is in the past."
France is scheduled to play Spain on Bastille Day, a national holiday in France. Deschamps indicated that this occasion could serve as an inspiration for his team.
"July the 14th is an important day for France and the French nation," he said. "We will do everything that we can. We know our objective."