Examining the Persistence of Colonial Stereotypes in African Football

The 2026 men’s football World Cup highlighted the tactical sophistication of African teams, yet the tournament also brought to the surface persistent prejudices regarding how African football is perceived. Anthropological research suggests that these biases are not isolated incidents but are deeply rooted in historical colonial narratives that continue to influence modern sports discourse.

Controversy arose during the tournament when former player and German broadcaster Bastian Schweinsteiger described an upcoming match against Côte d’Ivoire as featuring "a bit African football, a bit unorthodox, a bit wild." The remarks drew immediate backlash, including from Côte d’Ivoire manager Emerse Fae, who questioned the nature of the commentary. While Schweinsteiger defended his words as purely technical analysis, critics argue that such characterizations rely on outdated, colonial-era stereotypes that reduce the diverse styles of an entire continent to a singular, "unrefined" image.

Experts note that these subtle forms of everyday racism are part of a broader pattern of "othering" that affects Black players. Beyond verbal comments, this manifests in structural inequities, including disparities in contract terms, salaries, and limited opportunities for coaching or administrative roles. Furthermore, public figures have occasionally engaged in more explicit hostility, such as a recent instance where a Paraguayan senator used derogatory language to describe French player Kylian Mbappé.

Historically, colonial administrators utilized football as a tool to impose European rules and values on African populations. In response, many African nations later reclaimed the sport as a vehicle for national identity and resistance, developing unique styles that emphasized technical skill and integrity. Despite this, the narrative of African "naivety" versus European "tactical superiority" remains a persistent trope.

Researchers warn that even seemingly minor, "unintentional" remarks function as a "creeping poison" that reinforces collective biases. Addressing these issues requires moving beyond debates over individual intent and instead confronting the systemic, colonial-rooted perceptions that continue to devalue African contributions to the global game.

Source: The Conversation