Ever wondered why “France” national team has a large number of black immigrants that dominated the team?
In a white-dominated European community where the act of racism can’t be overemphasized, blackness reached the echelon of success with sons of former French colonies starring for the national team.
The French national team has reached its fourth World Cup finals in twenty-four years winning it in 1998 and 2018, while the 2006 and 2022 finals ended as a disappointment for Les Bleus.
Over the years the French national team has always been embroidered with inner crisis, with many questioning the large inclusion of black players in the team.
Brief History Of France National Team
In 2018 France’s best football academy “Clairefontaine” which had nurtured and promoted a mix of amazing players turned 30th in that year.
The Clairefontaine project was originally the brainchild of French Football Federation President Fernand Sastre and it was inaugurated by President Francois Mitterand in 1988.
While the Clairefontaine project’s success can’t be overemphasized since it was inaugurated, it must be noted that the academy is truly a cornerstone of vision, philosophy, and a place of unity that had nurtured and produced world-class players that had the world of soccer at their feet.
The above statement may be true about Clairefontaine’s success, however, the saddest story about the whole thing is that it doesn’t shed off the issue of systemic racism and discrimination that ran rampant in the FFF and French society as a whole.
The whole racism issue further ate deeper both in France’s communities and the national team despite the Clairefontaine academy producing top players from different races of life.
There’s a common phenomenon in the media that racism and immigration have over the years been ingrained in French society and the national team isn’t exempted from the madness.
Dating back to the 1950s, the immigrant French players weren’t spared from the subject of intense criticism from the fans and administrators who were meant to protect them.
Amongst those who endured multiple racial and xenophobic remarks in France’s team in 1954 during the World Cup was Raymond Kopa one of the nation’s finest to soccer players.
Due to Kopa’s parents’ Polish heritage, he was often told by fans to return to the mine, but his talents and success on the pitch however made many view him as a great weapon for the national team and a glimpse of hope for a new France free of racism.
While Kopa’s talent and success on the pitch were never a doubt, the equality, multicultural, and multiethnic society many were expecting due to his emergence as a link to birthing a racist-free community never came to fruition.
As a matter of fact, he had to continuously prove himself worthy of playing for Les Bleus in an era that was extremely hesitant to promote the notion of racial and cultural integration.
France’s Black Players Dilemma In 1990s Through To The 21st Century
Just when France’s black communities thought Kopa’s brilliance on the pitch would pave the way for a nation that isn’t marred with racial hatred and inequality.
Unfortunately, the experiences of Kopa simply served as a crucial precursor to what to expect in the 21st century.
As a student of history or a loyal enthusiast of the game, you’ll understand that the French national team has often time been scrutinized by national and international media questioning the roots of some players in the team.
From 1998 down to 2018, despite the whole of the country being in a jubilant mood for their FIFA World Cup success, both the national, and international media and fans couldn’t stop questioning whether the team actually represented France’s identity as a whole.
While it’s more of a celebration time for many the dynamic in including immigrant descendants into the national team certainly created a lot of tensions throughout France.
France was meant to be a place where diversity is championed rather than scoffed at, considering the successes the so-called immigrant players have been able to achieve for the country.
Yet the issue of identity and race continuously loom in every one of Les Bleus’ major tournaments further bringing to the fore the fact that France can’t be a nation free of racism.
The recent surge of black players standing tall from the performance stand-point at the highest level of the game was brought to the fore again at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar where a new set of black players took France to the final.
Though their success in the time past was worth celebrating, losing to the hands of Argentina wasn’t an accepted tale.
However, the support and backing received from French-speaking African countries certainly sent a message of oneness to the rest of French society.
But in the end, the hope of unity and equality which many thought was here, hasn’t completely transitioned into the national team even in the 21st century as ethnic discrimination continues to eat deeper in France.
Colonial Ties & Composition Of The French Football
During the era when powerful European countries were vying for global dominance, France, like its European counterparts, was seeking to expand its influence.
The Industrial Revolution prompted many European nations to search for raw materials and affordable labor.
To meet these demands, they established colonies.
Unfortunately, Africa bore the brunt of this expansion, with major European powers such as the British, German, Dutch, Portuguese, and French laying claim to various African territories.
This process involved the partitioning and colonization of African countries.
To facilitate their colonial endeavors and the assimilation of the local populations, European nations introduced their cultures, including language and religion.
This historical context explains why many English-speaking Africans tend to migrate to English-speaking nations like the UK, and the same is true for French and Portuguese speakers.
Regarding the composition of the French national soccer team, a significant number of its players have African roots due to immigration and ancestry from French-speaking colonies, particularly in West Africa.
France colonized various African nations, including Algeria, Niger, Tunisia, Cameroon, Morocco, Senegal, Gabon, Chad, Congo, Mauritania, Mali, Ivory Coast, Guinea, and more.
Particularly, these countries share the French language and have been influenced by French culture, with many inhabitants practicing Catholicism due to French influence.
When people migrate, they often choose destinations where they can relate to the language, culture, or religion. This preference leads to the movement of individuals from former colonies to the colonizing country.
Soccer Shines in French Banlieues
In the French banlieues, these areas often linked to social unrest and nonwhite, working-class communities, there’s a wellspring of soccer talent.
For instance, in Seine-Saint-Denis, more than 28% of the population lives below the poverty line, nearly double the national average of 15%.
This has led to inadequate public services and a cycle of limited opportunities for many residents in the department. Similar challenges are observed in banlieues across the country, where a lack of resources and opportunities is a recurring issue.
Zinedine Zidane, considered one of France’s greatest players, was born in La Castellane, a suburb in Marseille known for its ill repute.
It has been the subject of reports highlighting issues such as poverty, drug-related problems, and prostitution, as portrayed in Ross Kemp’s documentary series ‘Extreme World.’
While these neighborhoods face problems like unemployment and social issues, they also nurture exceptional soccer skills.
Soccer in these areas is more than just a game.
It’s often seen as a beacon of hope, a dream, and sometimes a way to a brighter future. For many young players, soccer offers an escape from tough circumstances and a chance for a better life.
Banlieues have produced the likes of Kylian Mbappe, and Zinedine Zidane, who are one of France’s best players to wear the No. 10 Jersey,
They don’t play solely for the love of the sport; they play for a dream, an opportunity to change their lives and inspire their communities.
Final Thought
However, France similar to other nations, picks its national team players based on their abilities, skills, and eligibility, without considering race or ethnicity.
The country’s rich history of immigration and cultural diversity is evident in its soccer team.
The team’s achievements result from selecting players based on talent and merit, not their racial or ethnic backgrounds. It’s important to avoid making sweeping statements about the racial or ethnic makeup of sports teams, as these can be misleading and perpetuate stereotypes.
FAQs
How many black players are on France’s soccer team?
10 -15 players
The composition of the French national soccer team can change from match to match and tournament to tournament, so the number of black players on the team may vary.
However, the French national team has been known for its diversity and has had numerous players of African, Afro-Caribbean, and other non-white backgrounds.
What ethnicity are the players on the France soccer team?
The France national soccer team is characterized by its rich ethnic diversity.
Its players come from various backgrounds, including African, Afro-Caribbean, European, multiracial, and other heritages.
Where was Mbappe raised?
Bondy
Kylian Mbappé was raised in Bondy, a suburb of Paris, France. He was born on December 20, 1998, and spent his formative years in Bondy before pursuing his soccer career.
Bondy is known for its multicultural population and is part of the greater Paris metropolitan area. It’s also where Mbappé’s soccer journey began as he developed his skills at a young age.
Why is France football so strong?
France’s strong football tradition can be attributed to factors such as effective youth development programs, a diverse talent pool, successful domestic leagues, top-notch infrastructure, and strong coaching.
Institutional support, mentorship, psychological conditioning, and a culture of unity within the national teams have also played a crucial role in their football success.
Where is Mbappe originally born?
Kylian Mbappé was born in Bondy, a suburb of Paris, France.
Where is the Mbappe family originally from?
Kylian Mbappé’s family is originally from Cameroon, a country in Central Africa. His father, Wilfried Mbappé, is Cameroonian, and his mother, Fayza Lamari, is of Algerian and Moroccan descent.
You Might Also Want To Read This
- Leeds United’s 10 Greatest Players Of All Time
- Aston Villa’s 10 Greatest Players Of All Time
- 8 Football Clubs That Have Suffered Deep Decline
- The Number 10 In Soccer – Why It’s So Special
- 10 Of The Greatest Danish Players Of All Time
- 10 Of The Greatest Irish Soccer Players Of All Time
