German lawmaker Katrin Göring-Eckardt faced criticism for a social media post discussing the skin color of German football players following their victory over Hungary in the Euro 2024 tournament. Göring-Eckardt, a member of the Greens and vice president of the Bundestag, eventually deleted the post and apologized for her comments.
The deleted tweet speculated about an all-white German football team, prompting Göring-Eckardt to express disappointment in the 21% of Germans who prefer more ‘white’ players in the national team. She acknowledged her poor choice of words and expressed pride in the diverse composition of Germany’s current team.
A survey highlighting the desire for more white players in the national team stirred controversy, with coach Julian Nagelsmann denouncing it as “racist.” Göring-Eckardt’s post also drew criticism from fellow lawmakers, emphasizing the importance of addressing diversity and inclusion in sports.
The incident highlights ongoing discussions around racism and representation in German football, further emphasizing the need for inclusivity and respect for players of all backgrounds.