Spainβs sports diplomacy debate just got real πβ½
Two brilliant minds and sports diplomacy experts, both championing different approaches π€
πͺπΈ In February 2026, Rafael Costa championed a bold, unified Spanish national sports diplomacy strategy β coherent, funded, and punching at its weight globally πͺ. See:
π
π Now RaΓΌl Romeva i Rueda pushes back β respectfully but firmly. Spain is plural. Any serious sports diplomacy model must make room for the diverse cultures, languages and and unique sportscape of Catalonia, the Basque Country, Galicia and beyond. See:
π Sports Diplomacy Is Not (Only) About States
π
One country. Multiple identities. How do you build a sports diplomacy strategy that honours both? π€
This is the debate Spain β and the wider sports diplomacy field β needs to have π‘
Read both pieces & join the conversation β
#SportsDiplomacy #SoftPower #Spain #Catalonia #BasqueCountry #Galicia #NationBrandingββββββββββββββββ #Paradiplomacy