Bastian Schweinsteiger has been forced to defend himself after comments he made about the Ivory Coast ahead of their World Cup clash with Germany were branded racist by their head coach.

The former Germany, Bayern Munich and Manchester United midfielder described Ivory Coast’s style as unpredictable and unorthodox while working as a pundit, remarks that brought a wave of criticism in the days that followed.

Ivory Coast boss Emerse Fae pulled no punches when addressing the comments, leading Schweinsteiger to release a statement explaining what he had actually meant by the analysis.

Fae Brands Comments Racist as Ivory Coast make History

REUTERS/Benoit Tessier

Fae was quick to give his view on the matter, hitting back after guiding Ivory Coast into the knockout rounds for the first time in their history following a 2-0 win over Curacao.

Though he added he hoped it was simply a “clumsy statement that’s not necessarily reflective of what’s in his life.”

The issue also drew in Jurgen Klopp, who appeared uncomfortable when pressed on the subject during a broadcast appearance, eventually cutting the interview short.

Schweinsteiger had described Ivory Coast’s approach as “a bit African football, a bit unorthodox, a bit wild, a bit perhaps also not so conditioned by tactics” while appearing on German broadcaster ARD.

The comments quickly drew backlash, with some suggesting he leaned into outdated racial stereotypes. Responding through a statement released by the same broadcaster, Schweinsteiger said:

Axel Balkausky, ARD’s sports coordinator, defended Schweinsteiger’s stance in a very similar manner. “He summarized his experiences and observations from recent games. It wasn’t about individual people but rather a footballing assessment. I can’t detect any form of racism in that or in his choice of words. If the coach of Ivory Coast, Emerse Fae, were to speak directly with Bastian, his suspicions would be quickly revised, I am sure of that. Perhaps an opportunity of that sort will arise in the course of the tournament.”

While there will always be intense debate over where they all rank, Lionel Messi, Pele and Diego Maradona will forever be in the pantheon of all-time football greats.

Pele was football’s first global superstar, his name synonymous with the beautiful game. Winner of the World Cup in 1958 at the age of 17, the Brazilian went on to lift football’s most iconic trophy twice more, first in 1962 and then again in 1970.

And then came Diego Maradona, the first player to seriously threaten Pele’s status as the greatest footballer in history.

The diminutive playmaker inspired Argentina to World Cup glory at the 1986 finals in Mexico, hitting a level of individual brilliance that had never been seen before.

It seemed incomprehensible that we’d see another player as good as Maradona, but the otherworldly Messi burst onto the scene in 2005 and the rest is history.

If Messi wins a second successful World Cup with Argentina in the United States this summer, he will cement his status as football’s GOAT (greatest of all time), in the eyes of many football fans and pundits alike.

For others, that happened as soon as he won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, producing a series of performances that rivalled Maradona’s 36 years earlier.

Sadly, Maradona wasn’t around to witness Messi’s crowning moment. He died two years earlier, aged just 60.

Pele, on the other hand, did witness Messi lifting the World Cup, but passed away himself less than two weeks later aged 82.

Pele and Maradona’s Private Chat About Messi in 2016

REUTERS/Charles Platiau

Years earlier, in June 2016, Maradona and Pele were caught by microphones having a private chat about Messi – and their comments now look very interesting.

Messi was going through a challenging period with Argentina at the time, faced with accusations that he cared more about playing for Barcelona than his national team.

These unfair accusations, combined with a series of near misses at major tournaments, even led to Messi announcing his retirement from international football after the 2016 Copa America.

Several weeks earlier, Maradona and Pele had their private chat. Pele, wanting to learn more about Messi’s personality, asked: “Diego, do you know Messi personally?”

Maradona, who coached Messi at the 2010 World Cup, replied: “Yes, yes, but…”

Pele interjected: “Is he a good person? I don’t know him, I know him from…”

Maradona then said: “He is a good person, but he has no personality. He doesn’t have much personality, like how to be a leader.”

Pele responded: “Ah, I understand. Like there were many [players like this] in our time.”

Maradona added: “Exactly, many players, many…”

Pele then said: “In 1970, there was Rivelino. I was speaking about Messi, the Argentina of Messi. He said that Messi is a great player, there is no doubt, but he has no personality.” Watch the clip below:

While Messi has let his gifted feet do most of the talking during his illustrious career, there’s no doubt that his leadership qualities have massively improved since Maradona and Pele’s conversation.

Every player in Argentina’s most-recent squads would run through a brick wall for the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, who has helped to cultivate an extraordinary team spirit with the help of manager Lionel Scaloni.

Messi, who reversed his decision to retire from international duty after a mass public appeal in August 2016, might be a very different character to Pele and Maradona – but he’s demonstrated over the past 10 years that he also has plenty of personality.

Nico Williams has opened up on the mental and physical toll of the past year and a half after suffering a fresh injury during Spain’s group stage win over Uruguay at the 2026 World Cup, leaving his involvement in the rest of the tournament in doubt.

The Athletic Club winger had only come on as a substitute in the 76th minute, before picking up the issue following a challenge from Nicolas de la Cruz, who was booked for the tackle.

Williams has endured persistent fitness problems in the last 18 months, and this latest setback has clearly hit hard, with the 23-year-old reflecting on just how much he’s had to overcome to get back on the pitch.

Nico Williams Details Year Of “Suffering” And “Anxiety”

Via Reuters

Williams, who has been subject to transfer interest from Arsenal, didn’t hold back when describing what he’s been through before reflecting on the latest blow.

He continued by detailing just how much the injury affected his daily life, admitting: “It was a year and a half of suffering, sadness, uncertainty, and anxiety. I didn’t know when I’d be able to play without pain again or when I’d get back to a normal life. I even got to the point of living with the pain in things as simple as going to the bathroom, getting in and out of the car, or just enjoying day-to-day life.”

See what Williams had to say in full below:

Spain Winger Vows Latest Setback “Won’t Stop” Him

Annegret Hilse via Reuters

Turning to the incident involving De la Cruz, Williams suggested frustration played a part in the challenge that caused his injury.

“It was a play that, in my opinion, could have been avoided because it was completely unnecessary.”

Despite the disappointment, Williams remained defiant, insisting that there’s a chance he’ll be seen playing again during the tournament: “But this won’t stop me either. I know God has a plan for me, and I’ll keep fighting until the very last moment to get back to doing what I love most: playing soccer, being happy, and bringing joy to many.” Before going on to say that “the story isn’t over—we’ll see each other as soon as possible in this World Cup.”

It’s been a forgettable World Cup for Uruguay, and the manner of their exit has only added to that reputation. Agustin Canobbio was shown a straight red card in the same match for diving in on Pau Cubarsi, leading to some chaotic scenes as tempers flared late on.

The defeat means Uruguay finish bottom of Group H and head home without a single win to their name this summer, leaving Williams’ injury as just one of several incidents that have left a sour taste from their campaign.