Survey finds fifth of Germans would prefer more White players on their national soccer team

Berlin — A recent survey conducted for a sports program that airs on a regional public broadcaster in Germany revealed that one in five Germans (21% of respondents) would prefer to see more White players on the German national soccer team. The survey conducted for Western Germany's WDR network's "Sport Inside" show has drawn sharp criticism, with the national team's coach Julian Nagelsmann among those expressing shock.

National team player Joshua Kimmich called the survey question "absolute nonsense" and "racist."

Kimmich stressed the power of soccer as a unifier across nations, races, and religions and expressed his appreciation for the diversity of the team.