12.05.2026 21:50
Former French footballer Lilian Thuram stated that racism in football is a reflection of racism in society, emphasizing that footballers should speak out and become part of social change, saying, "Racism in football is a reflection of racism in society. Policies must be implemented to encourage footballers to speak out. Everyone is part of this problem, just as we are part of the solution."
Former French national player Lilian Thuram stated that footballers should be encouraged to speak out against racism. Thuram made these remarks during a session of the "World Decolonization Forum," organized with the Global Communication Partnership of Anadolu Agency (AA) at the Ataturk Cultural Center, which addressed the root causes of global crises and the legacy of colonialism.
"I FACED THE ISSUE OF RACISM AT AGE 9"
Emphasizing that racism is tied to the story and history of slavery, Thuram said, "I was born on a small island like Guadeloupe. I came to Paris at age 9; actually, at age 9, I learned that I was Black and faced the problem of racism. Why did people insult me in my class? My mother couldn't give me an answer to that. In fact, colonization is tied to an ideology based on white supremacy. You discover that you belong to a lower class. Since I saw that this vision is very negative, I have been interested in this issue."
"BLACK PEOPLE FEEL HURT"
Referring to the racism he faced during his time playing in Italy, the former French national footballer continued:
"When we analyze football, the racism experienced reflects the history of society; they are not independent of each other. The person who educated me athletically on this issue was Muhammad Ali. Racism in football is also a reflection of racism in society. Policies need to be implemented to encourage footballers to speak out. A goalkeeper named Joseph-Antoine Bell was subjected to bananas being thrown at him during a match. As a child, watching this on TV deeply hurt me. It was the first time I encountered racism. In such a situation, all Black people feel hurt. Later, I became a professional footballer. I also played in Italy. During matches there, some people made monkey gestures at me. When I talked to my friends and managers, they told me it wasn't important and that I shouldn't concern myself with it. I saw that there are many white people who are not aware of how severe racism is. I realized they didn't understand that this would not stop."
"ONLY THEN CAN WE BRING ABOUT CHANGE"
Stressing that people cannot understand the level of violence in racism, Thuram said, "We are talking about a situation that can lead to killing someone. At this point, we need realism. Everyone is part of this problem, just as we are part of the solution. We should not think that only athletes or public figures should fight this struggle. We see that people who are subjected to racism are afraid to say certain things. Everyone needs to fight; only then can we bring about change."