Mariano Rajoy’s racist comment on French team sparks diplomatic outcry ahead of World Cup semifinal
Former Spanish prime minister Mariano Rajoy wrote a column in El Debate saying the France national football team “has a top‑level squad, but no French players.” The remark was condemned as racist and xenophobic by officials in France and Spain.
French interior minister Laurent Nuñez called the statement “absolutely unacceptable,” while French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo said the players are “all French.” French ministers Aurore Bergé and Naïma Moutchou demanded legal action against the comment, and foreign minister Jean‑Noël Barrot labeled it “stupidity, racism or both.”
In Spain, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and foreign minister José Manuel Albares denounced the remarks, urging the opposition leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo to disavow them. Other Spanish politicians, including the transport minister and opposition figures, joined the criticism.
The controversy surrounds the World Cup semifinal scheduled for 14 July 2026 in Dallas, where Spain will face France. Articles also previewed the match, noting Spain’s chances against the defending champions.
All 26 French players hold French nationality; 23 were born in France and the three born abroad are also French citizens.