The recent success of the England national football team in reaching the Euro 2024 final against Spain has brought attention to the significant contribution of players with immigrant backgrounds. According to the Migration Museum, 71% of the English players fielded in the semi-final win over the Netherlands were born abroad or have at least one parent or grandparent born outside the UK. This diversity within the team has played a crucial role in their journey to the final, with key players such as Harry Kane and Ollie Watkins making significant contributions on the field.
In addition to England, Spain, their opponent in the final, also has players with migrant backgrounds. Two of Spain’s key players, Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, were born to immigrant parents. Yamal, who scored a decisive goal in the semi-final against France, has a Moroccan father and an Equatorial Guinean mother. Williams, on the other hand, was born in Pamplona to Ghanaian parents who travelled across the Sahara Desert to reach Spain 22 years ago. This diversity on the field reflects the multicultural nature of modern football and highlights the vital role that immigrant communities play in the sport.
The topic of migration and identity often comes to the forefront during major international football tournaments. Euro 2024 faced controversy early on when a German broadcaster released the results of a survey indicating that one in five respondents preferred to have more white players in the national team. This led to criticism from players like Joshua Kimmich, who denounced the survey as racist and emphasized the importance of diversity in football. Kimmich highlighted how football has the power to bring people from different backgrounds together and stressed the value of inclusivity and unity within the sport.
The success of England and Spain in reaching the Euro 2024 final serves as a reminder of the positive impact of immigration on football and society as a whole. Players with migrant backgrounds bring unique skills, perspectives, and experiences to the game, enriching the sport and creating a sense of unity among diverse communities. The diversity within national teams also reflects the changing demographics of modern societies and highlights the opportunities for inclusion and integration that sports can provide. Moving forward, it is essential to continue celebrating the contributions of immigrant players and promoting a message of unity and diversity in football and beyond.
As the Euro 2024 final approaches, the spotlight remains on the role of immigrant players in shaping the success of national teams. Both England and Spain have demonstrated the power of diversity on the field, with players from migrant backgrounds making significant contributions to their respective teams. This diversity not only enhances the quality of football but also sends a powerful message of inclusivity and acceptance. As fans around the world tune in to watch the final match, they have the opportunity to witness firsthand the positive impact of immigration on football and the shared passion that unites players and supporters alike.
