On July 12, 2026, Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy made a remark about the French national football team, describing it as a 'team without French' players, which quickly drew sharp criticism from politicians in both France and Spain. The comment was made during a public event and was widely reported by Spanish media.
French politicians, including government spokesperson Olivier Véran, condemned the statement as 'crass racism' and 'normalized hatred.' Spanish opposition leaders also criticized Rajoy, with some calling the remark 'xenophobic' and demanding an apology. The controversy has reignited debates about nationalism and sports in Europe.
As of July 13, 2026, Rajoy's office has not issued an official apology, though some sources suggest he may clarify his remarks in the coming days. The incident has overshadowed ongoing political discussions in both countries.
