Europe and the need for a 'wild evil'

European nations and their governments appear increasingly fragile, a trend particularly evident across a continent historically shaped by nationalism and complex regional histories. Issues in regions like the Basque Country, Catalonia, and within the United Kingdom involving Scotland, Ireland, England, and Wales highlight ongoing friction.

A new paradigm is emerging, rigorously challenging established structures such as traditional political parties, monarchies, religions, and even the conventional family unit. This shift questions the very definition of being French, Spanish, or English. Migration has introduced diverse cultures and lifestyles, mobilizing far-right movements while also prompting progressive calls for greater inclusivity. Caught in the middle is an unresolved identity crisis.

Identity is forged not only by what we are but also by what we are not. The presence of a common enemy or a scapegoat can reinforce collective security and a sense of moral superiority. Football, a globally pervasive passion, is not immune to these dynamics.

The notion that "real football" is played in Europe, emphasized since the 2018 World Cup, was directly challenged by Argentina's victory in Qatar. The subsequent four years saw a barrage of social media attacks, joined by other American nations, fostering a narrative where a penalty kick was dismissed as a "gift" rather than a game situation. This animosity intensified during the 2026 tournament, culminating in a match against Egypt where accusations of racism were leveled against a team already stigmatized for its perceived lack of racial diversity. The article questions the basis for such claims, especially when the African team was losing.

FIFA's implementation of a rule penalizing players who cover their mouths when speaking to opponents, stemming from an incident between Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni and Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior, is also examined. Vinícius accused Prestianni of racial slurs, and with pressure from Kylian Mbappé, the Argentine player received a six-match ban. The author notes the contradiction of Mbappé's actions, given his own history, and questions a justice system where guilt is presumed until proven otherwise.