- Calvin Bassey Faced Racism in Football as Discrimination Still Plagues the Sport.
- From Samuel Eto’o to Calvin Bassey: The Ongoing Struggle Against Racism in Football.
- How African Players Like Calvin Bassey Are Fighting Back Against Racial Discrimination.
Introduction
Racism discrimination in football remains a persistent issue. It has affected notable players like Calvin Bassey, Samuel Eto’o, and other prominent African footballers.
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Despite FIFA and UEFA’s anti-racism campaigns, cases of racial abuse in football continue to emerge, often targeting Black players in major leagues.
This article explores ten footballers who have faced racism, detailing their backgrounds, incidents of abuse, and the fight against discrimination in the sport.
9 Prominent African Footballers who have Faced Racial Discrimination
1. Calvin Bassey – Racist and Homophobic Abuse (March 2025)
Background: Nigerian defender, played for Rangers and Fulham.
Incident: Following Fulham’s FA Cup victory over Manchester United, Calvin Bassey faced racist and homophobic abuse on social media from opposing fans.
Club Response: Fulham FC condemned the behavior and pledged support.
Tweet from Fulham FC:
“We stand firmly with Calvin Bassey against racism and discrimination. This behavior has no place in football. #SayNoToRacism”
2. Frank Acheampong – Racial Abuse in Chinese Super League (July 2023)
Background: Ghanaian winger, played for Shenzhen FC.
Incident: During a match against Henan, fans directed racist insults at Acheampong.
Impact: Highlighted ongoing racism in football leagues outside Europe.
Quote from Acheampong:
“Football should unite, not divide. Racism has no place in this beautiful game.”
3. Aaron Opoku – Racial Slurs Led to Match Abandonment (December 2021)
Background: German footballer of Ghanaian descent, played for Osnabrück.
Incident: Racially insulted by MSV Duisburg fans, leading teammates to walk off the pitch in solidarity.
FIFA Statement: “This protest sends a strong message: Racism will not be tolerated.”
4. Kheira Hamraoui – Racial Prejudice Suggested in Assault Case (November 2021)
Background: French midfielder, played for PSG Féminine.
Incident: Assaulted by two masked men, leading to internal team conflicts.
Possible Racial Bias: Some teammates expressed support for the alleged assailant, Aminata Diallo, suggesting racial prejudice.
5. Sulley Muntari – Walk-Off Protest in Italy (2017)
Background: Ghanaian midfielder, played for Inter Milan and Pescara.
Incident: Racially abused by Cagliari fans during a Serie A match.
Reaction: Walked off the pitch in protest, initially receiving a ban that FIFA later overturned.
6. Samuel Eto’o – Racist Chants in La Liga (2006)
Background: Cameroonian striker, played for Barcelona, Inter Milan, and Chelsea.
Incident: Real Zaragoza fans subjected him to racist chants, nearly causing him to leave the pitch in protest.
Long-Term Impact: Became a strong advocate for anti-racism measures in football.
Fulham Strongly Disapproves Horrible Online Abuse Directed at Calvin Bassey
7. Didier Drogba – Vocal Against Racism
Background: Ivorian forward, played for Chelsea and Galatasaray.
Incident: While at Galatasaray, Drogba defended José Mourinho against accusations of racism and called for focus on unity in football.
Advocacy: Continues to speak against racism in the sport.
8. Jean-Philippe Mateta – Racist Abuse in Youth Football
Background: French-born Ivorian striker, plays for Crystal Palace.
Incident: Faced racist abuse growing up in Paris’s Sevran district, highlighting racism in grassroots football.
Impact: Overcame challenges to reach the English Premier League.
9. Andre Amougou – Racial Abuse in Russian Football (2005-2007)
Background: Cameroonian defender, played for Lokomotiv Moscow.
Incident: Targeted with monkey chants and racist insults by Russian fans.
Outcome: Exposed Russia’s struggles with racism in football.
The Fight Against Racism in Football
- FIFA and UEFA’s Anti-Racism Campaigns
Initiatives like #NoToRacism and Kick It Out are working to eradicate racism in football.
- Club and Player Reactions
Teams like Fulham and Osnabrück have demonstrated zero tolerance for racism.
Players like Calvin Bassey and Aaron Opoku continue to speak out against discrimination.
- The Role of Social Media
While platforms allow players to expose racist abuse, they also serve as breeding grounds for online discrimination.
Conclusion
Despite global efforts to combat racism, cases involving Calvin Bassey, Samuel Eto’o, Aaron Opoku, and others prove that racial discrimination in football persists.
The fight against racism in sports must continue through stronger penalties, better education, and awareness campaigns.
Every fan, player, and club must stand against racism in football to ensure the sport remains inclusive for all.
