Published on
14/07/2026 - 11:32 GMT+2
The column Mariano Rajoy writes for 'El Debate' after every match played by the Spanish national team is still making waves several days after it was published. In his latest piece, the former prime minister praised the performance of Luis de la Fuente's side against Belgium, but also penned a few lines that have ended up carrying more weight than his football analysis.
The row intensified when the former leader turned his attention to the French national team and the background of part of its squad, which he described as being of the very highest level but "without French players", while also predicting they will be a "formidable" opponent for Spain.
His comment was not only circulated widely in the Spanish media, but it has also crossed the border: In France, it has even prompted a response from Emmanuel Macron's own government.
