Julian Nagelsmann: Germany manager signs contract extension until 2026
BBC NewsMay 04
Germany: Broadcaster Runs Controversial Soccer Survey
Above: Julian Nagelsmann, Head Coach of the Germany National Team during a press conference at DFB Medienzentrum on day two of the training camp at Herzo Base on June 02, 2024 in Herzogenaurach, Germany. Image copyright: Alexander Hassenstein/Staff/Getty Images Sport via Getty Images
The Facts
German broadcaster ARD issued a controversial poll related to the race of players on the national soccer team, to which 21% said they wanted more white players. 66% felt it was good that the national soccer team was multicultural.
Midfielder Joshua Kimmich claimed the poll was "racist," to which coach Julian Nagelsmann agreed, adding that "this question is insane." The ARD argued that the poll is also "an expression of the social situation in Germany today."
The Spin
Left narrative
The racism shown toward non-white European soccer players is a microcosm of a larger problem throughout the continent. While soccer's growing diversity has shifted public opinion toward acceptance over the years, far-right politicians are now using this diversity for xenophobic ends. Immigrants — whether millionaire soccer stars or regular people — still face this harsh reality on a daily basis.
Right narrative
Whether it be in sports teams or national demographics more generally, not all those who wish to maintain a cultural identity are racist. When European culture dies and racial tensions only worsen, it's not wrong to question whether the "diversity utopia" theory has been proven wrong.