FIGHTING RACISM IN FOOTBALL IN GERMANY
Racism in football in Germany is a continuing issue that reflects broader tensions in German society.
In football, reported instances affect players from the German national team down to the grass roots level.
Whilst the German Football Association (DFB) has implemented anti-discrimination campaigns, these are regarded as superficial and do not address the structural, everyday racism, which is present in the game.
Following an ARD (a consortium of regional public-service broadcasters in Germany) documentary in 2024, a survey revealed that 21% of residents in Germany preferred more white players in the national team, a finding which has been condemned by Julian Nagelsmann, the national team head coach, as being “racist“.
Well-known players, such as Antonio Rüdiger and Youssoufa Moukoko, have spoken out about abuse. In 2023, Black Under-21 players, Jessic Ngankam and Youssoufa Moukoko, were the object of racist insults on social media after they missed penalties.
In August 2025, during German Cup matches, games were briefly halted following allegations of racist abuse from the stands, including the use of the N-word against a black player.
A study this year by the University of Wuppertal found that racism is commonplace in German sports clubs, and often takes the form of subtle insults, prejudiced jokes in changing rooms, or unequal treatment by coaches and referees.
In 2022, a study showed that, despite a multicultural player base, around 96% of trainers, managers, and scouts in German football were white.
The DFB follows the FIFA three-step protocol to address racist incidents: 1) halt the match; 2) suspend the match; and 3) abandon the match.
Many fan clubs and groups are also active in fighting racism. However, reports suggest that a rise in far-right sentiment in Germany has also penetrated the stands.
Whilst the DFB has reported a decline in racist incidents in the 2022/23 season, independent reports have suggested a high number of unreported cases and a rise in incidents.
Players are increasingly vocal, although some, like Antonio Rüdiger, have criticised social media posts as insufficient, demanding more action against systemic issues.
Gianni Infantino, the President of FIFA, has described racist incidents in football in Germany as “unacceptable“.
For further information and advice on racism in football, email our Managing Partner, Dr Lucien Valloni, at valloni@valloni.ch.