Sport

Soccer

Racism

Opinion

The beautiful game is a mirror that reflects society. We might not like what we see

Vince Rugari Reporter November 19, 2025 — 7.30pm

As the world’s most popular sport, soccer is a unique reflection of society.

The beautiful game is a mirror; it shows us who we are, revealing not just our passions, but the broader forces shaping them: globalisation, nationalism, identity, culture and prejudice.

We don’t always like what we see.

Racism is a problem in society. For all the progress it feels we have made, for all the awareness raised, it might actually be getting worse.

So, as long as soccer is played by humans, it will be a problem in soccer.

Periodically, we get reminders of what it looks like; usually through screenshots of athletes’ social media

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