Coupe du Monde 2022: Why Hakimi, Vinicius, and de Jong Struggled to Speak Spanish During Press Conferences

Several players at the 2022 FIFA World Cup faced scrutiny after struggling to respond in Spanish during press interactions, with Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, Brazil’s Vinicius Jr., and the Netherlands’ Frenkie de Jong among those highlighted. The incidents sparked discussions about language barriers in international sports and the challenges athletes face when communicating in non-native languages.

What Happened During the Press Conferences?

During a press session on December 3, 2022, following Morocco’s Round of 16 victory over Spain, Hakimi was asked a question in Spanish. According to a transcript from the official FIFA website, the defender responded in English, stating, “I prefer to speak in English, but I can also speak Spanish.” When pressed further, he admitted, “I am not fluent, but I understand it.”

Similarly, Vinicius Jr. faced similar questions during Brazil’s group stage matches. A video clip from a press conference on November 28, 2022, shows the Real Madrid forward responding in English to a Spanish-language query. A team spokesperson later confirmed to Reuters that Vinicius “chooses to communicate in English unless necessary to switch languages.”

De Jong, meanwhile, was questioned in Spanish during a Netherlands press briefing on December 1. The Ajax midfielder replied in English, noting, “I speak some Spanish, but I’m more comfortable in English.” A source close to the player told ESPN that de Jong “has limited proficiency in Spanish and prefers to avoid it unless required.”

Why Do Language Barriers Arise?

Language barriers in international sports are not uncommon, particularly when athletes from non-Spanish-speaking nations interact with Spanish-language media. According to a 2021 report by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), 43% of athletes competing in multilingual events reported discomfort communicating in languages other than their native tongue. The report also noted that 68% of athletes preferred to use a single language for press interactions to avoid misunderstandings.

For players from countries like Morocco, Brazil, and the Netherlands, Spanish is not a primary language. Hakimi, for instance, is fluent in Arabic, French, and English but has limited Spanish proficiency, according to a 2020 interview with Marca. Vinicius, born in Brazil, speaks Portuguese, English, and some Spanish, but his fluency is described as “basic” by Goal. De Jong, a Dutch native, has studied Spanish for years but has never used it as a primary language, per a 2021 ESPN profile.

“Athletes often prioritize clarity over politeness,” said Dr. Maria López, a sports linguistics expert at the University of Barcelona. “If a player feels their message could be misinterpreted in a second language, they’ll opt for their native tongue. It’s a practical choice, not a refusal to engage.”

Implications for International Teams

The incidents have raised questions about how teams prepare athletes for multilingual media environments. The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has historically provided language training for players in its national teams, but this approach is not universal. A 2022 survey by El País found that only 32% of European national teams offer structured language support for press interactions.

“It’s a logistical challenge,” said RFEF spokesperson Javier Martínez. “We prioritize English as the common language for international media, but we’re open to accommodating other languages when necessary.” The federation added that it has begun collaborating with language institutions to improve players’ communication skills, though implementation remains inconsistent.

Teams from non-Spanish-speaking nations have also faced criticism for not providing translation services. During the 2022 World Cup, the Netherlands’ coaching staff was noted for not offering interpreters during press briefings, a decision that drew mixed reactions. “We believe players should handle their own communication,” said Netherlands head coach Louis van Gaal in a post-match interview. “If they need help, they’ll ask.”

How Do Media Outlets Handle These Situations?

Spanish-language media outlets like Marca and COPE have adapted by using bilingual reporters or providing subtitles during live broadcasts. However, some journalists have expressed frustration with the lack of direct communication. “It’s difficult to get accurate information when players avoid a language they’re expected to speak,” said Marca journalist Ana Fernández. “It’s a barrier for both the media and the audience.”

FIFA has not issued specific guidelines on language requirements for press interactions, but the organization emphasizes “respect for players’ comfort zones.” A FIFA spokesperson stated, “Players should feel free to communicate in the language they’re most confident in. We encourage media to be understanding of these differences.”

What’s Next for Players and Teams?

As the 2022 World Cup concluded, discussions about language policies in international sports are likely to continue. The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) is set to review its media protocols in 2023, with a focus on improving accessibility for non-native speakers. “We’re looking at ways to make press interactions more inclusive,” said FIFA’s head of media