"Football Contributes to Unity"... Spain's Yamal Rebukes Former Prime Minister Over Racism Row

Former Spanish PM Rajoy Sparks Outcry with "There Are No French People" Remark
Yamal, Iglesias, and Cubarsi Defend the French Team
Spain Advances to the Final as Yamal Wins a Penalty to Defeat France

As a controversy erupted over former Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy’s statement that "there are no French people" when referring to France, Spain’s opponent in the World Cup semifinals, members of the Spanish national football team—such as Ramin Yamal (19)—have spoken out.

Spanish national football team player Ramin Yamal. Photo by Yonhap News

Yonhap News reported on July 14 (local time), citing French daily Le Parisien, that Spanish team member Yamal was asked during a press conference on the eve of the semifinal about former Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy’s comments. Yamal, whose father is from Morocco and mother from Equatorial Guinea, initially avoided answering directly, saying, "Tomorrow I think we'll play one of the most beautiful matches in World Cup history," and "I don’t think there’s much more to be said."

He went on to say, "If football contributes anything to society, it is bringing people together," adding, "There is no better example of this than France." He continued, "We too are a model of social integration. In the end, that’s what football is. There’s no need to dwell on what someone else said."

His teammates were more direct. Forward Borja Iglesias said in an interview with the local media on July 12, "We need to be more careful about this kind of statement," adding, "It’s surprising that in today’s multicultural society, we’re still talking like this. Everyone is different, and our diversity is our greatest asset."

Defender Pau Cubarsi also defended the French national team in a local interview, saying, "Any player representing the French national team is French, regardless of skin color," and adding, "We must show tolerance to everyone, regardless of the color of their skin, because we all deserve respect."

Former Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, who made headlines for saying "There are no French people" about the French national football team. Photo by AP Yonhap News

The controversy began with a column by former Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy published in the Spanish outlet 'El Debate'. After reviewing Spain’s victory over Belgium in the quarterfinals, he commented on the upcoming opponent France: "France has a top-level squad. But there are no French people. And they are playing very well." As it was read as a remark targeting the large number of Black and immigrant-background players on the French team, it sparked controversy.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on a national broadcast, "In France, there is no skin color," and added, "Saying otherwise is either foolish, racist, or both." Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said, "This can never be tolerated," while Aurore Berge, Minister for Equality, said, "Repeated racist remarks are intolerable. It’s time to stop, and for sports to be about sports again."

The dispute also spilled over into Spanish domestic politics. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez wrote on social media, "There are still people who measure one's belonging by gender, birthplace, or skin color," adding, "Spain belongs to those who love and work for their country, not to those who shame their country with xenophobic remarks."

However, former Prime Minister Rajoy maintains that his remarks were quoted out of context. According to Spanish daily 'El Mundo', he said, "This phrase was a trivial matter blown up by politicians and the media, and no harm was intended." After the match between Spain and France, he responded directly with a new column in 'El Debate', writing, "You know who I am and what I think. Viva Espana! We won again."

Meanwhile, Spain defeated France 2-0 in the semifinal held at Dallas Stadium, Texas, on this day to reach the final. In the 22nd minute of the first half, after Yamal was fouled by Lucas Digne in the penalty area, Mikel Oyarzabal converted the penalty kick. In the 13th minute of the second half, Pedro Porro sealed the victory. Spain will compete for the championship against the winner between England and Argentina in the semifinals on July 19.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.