Published：Jul 12, 09:14Last updated：Jul 12, 19:04

Rajoy's Racist Remarks Spark World Cup Controversy

Jul. 12, 2026 09:14

Former Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, leader of the right-wing People's Party, made racist comments about France's football team in an op-ed published on July 12, 2026. Rajoy claimed there were 'no French' players in France's squad after Spain qualified for the World Cup semifinals. His remarks sparked controversy and accusations of racism. The op-ed was written following Spain's advancement in the tournament. Rajoy's comments drew criticism from both sports and political circles.

Summarized

10News

8Media

Jul. 12, 2026 18:56

Former Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy sparked outrage in France with comments describing the French national team as "without French people," just days before their World Cup semi-final against Spain. Rajoy's remarks, published in El Debate, were criticized by his successor Pedro Sanchez as "xenophobic." French politicians, including Olivier Faure and Fabien Roussel, condemned the comments, emphasizing that being French is not defined by ethnicity but by civic values.

Jul. 12, 2026 19:04

Former Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy faced accusations of racism after stating in a newspaper column that the French national team "has no French players."

Former Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has ignited a firestorm of criticism after making racially charged comments about France's national football team in a column published on July 12, 2026. The conservative leader's assertion that the French squad had "no French players" following Spain's World Cup semifinal qualification has drawn condemnation from politicians across Europe, including his successor Pedro Sanchez and French lawmakers Olivier Faure and Fabien Roussel. Le Monde+2

🔥 Political Backlash

Current Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez led the condemnation, stating Rajoy "shamed" Spain with his xenophobic remarks. French Socialist Party leader Olivier Faure and Communist Party chief Fabien Roussel both emphasized that French identity is defined by civic values rather than ethnicity. The controversy comes just days before Spain faces France in the World Cup semifinals. Le Monde+2

⚽ Sports Controversy

Rajoy's comments appeared in Spanish outlet El Debate following Spain's victory over Belgium. The former PM, known for wearing a Spanish team jersey in past events, framed his remarks within broader debates about national identity in sports. His claim that France's multicultural team lacked "French players" was widely interpreted as targeting players of African descent. Libération+2

🌍 International Reaction

The remarks have strained diplomatic relations ahead of the high-profile match, with French politicians calling the statements divisive and offensive. Rajoy's column has been criticized for politicizing sports and promoting exclusionary nationalism. The controversy has overshadowed Spain's sporting achievement in reaching the semifinals. France 24+2

📰 Media Fallout

El Debate's publication of Rajoy's op-ed has drawn scrutiny amid accusations of platforming racist rhetoric. The former leader's comments have dominated Spanish and French media cycles, shifting focus from the tournament itself to questions of racial representation in international sports. Political analysts suggest the incident may have lasting impacts on Spain-France relations. The Guardian+2

El DebateMariano RajoyOlivier FaurePedro SanchezFabien Roussel