In the latest episode of “ANDERSSEIN” podcast supported by SEAT, host Minh-Khai Phan-Thi talks about diversity with the former professional soccer player Pablo Thiam.
What does being different mean for you?
You play different roles depending on where you move. My parents made me aware that I would be considered “different” from very early on. I was almost always “the coloured one”. That’s definitely had a bit of a residual effect on me. Even when I’m in Africa, I was considered different from others—labelled a foreigner. In Germany, I’m different because of my appearance, there I am different because of how I think.
Is there a difference between homeland and home for you?
Of course! My home is where I live and where I feel good: my family is my home. Germany is my homeland.
How do you show your commitment to integration?
Mainly through sport, which is linked to my previous experience of being a player. Back then, there were no points of contact to ensure players from a diverse range of origins to guarantee a layer of variety. We didn’t have anybody to mediate such issues between players and organisations. I knew it was something that I wanted to change when I got the chance to do so. Now all issues are being taken into consideration with a sensitive approach. I’m working on this and it’s just the beginning.
Listen to the latest episode below:
Disclaimer: At the time of release, this podcast episode is only available in German.
