Ivory Coast head coach Emerse Fae has delivered a measured but firm response to comments made by former Germany captain Bastian Schweinsteiger about African football, insisting the continent deserves recognition for its tactical and technical quality rather than outdated stereotypes.
Fae addressed the issue after guiding the Elephants to a historic milestone at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where a 2-0 victory over Curaçao secured Ivory Coast’s place in the knockout rounds for the first time in the nation’s history.
During his post-match press conference, the 41-year-old was asked to respond to remarks attributed to Schweinsteiger, who reportedly suggested that African teams play “wild” and “out-of-control” football.
The Ivory Coast coach admitted he was disappointed to hear the comments, particularly because they came from a player he had long admired.
“I was disappointed because he was a great player,” Fae said.
“I’ve always loved this player. I’ve always liked his way of playing and understanding football.”
Ivory Coast coach Emerse Fae has criticised Bastian Schweinsteiger’s comments about African football, insisting the continent is defined by technique and tactics as well as physicality.
Fae revealed that his admiration for the former Bayern Munich and Germany midfielder dated back to his own playing days, even joking that one of his friends had nicknamed him “Bastian” because of that respect.
“When I heard those comments, I was disappointed with the man,” he added.
“When you know football as he knows it, it’s strange to hear comments like that.”
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While stopping short of directly accusing Schweinsteiger of racism, Fae acknowledged that some people could interpret the remarks that way.
“You could say his language is racist,” he said.
“But that’s the way it is. We live in a world where everyone has the right to say what they think, even though I don’t agree with him.”
Rather than allowing the controversy to overshadow his team’s achievement, Fae chose to highlight what he believes modern African football truly represents.
“I can’t show that Africa isn’t just about physicality,” he explained.
“It’s also about technique and tactics.”
Ivory Coast coach Emerse Fae has criticised Bastian Schweinsteiger’s comments about African football, insisting the continent is defined by technique and tactics as well as physicality.
The former defender expressed hope that Schweinsteiger’s comments were not motivated by prejudice, while making it clear that Ivory Coast would remain focused on their World Cup campaign.
“I hope his words weren’t racist. I hope it wasn’t what he had in mind,” Fae said.
“We move forward and don’t pay attention to that.”
Fae also suggested that outspoken opinions have become increasingly common among retired players seeking relevance after their playing careers.
“There are a lot of former consultants who want to make a name for themselves,” he said.
“He was a world star. Now he’s a bit anonymous. He’s trying to make a name for himself.
“It’s better for him if that’s what he thinks. He can think whatever he wants.”
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The comments came on a memorable evening for Ivory Coast, whose victory over Curaçao sealed second place in Group E and booked a maiden appearance in the World Cup Round of 32.
