Tony Yoka slams Dugarry: "You're selling your soul, it's pointless cruelty"

Boxer Tony Yoka took aim at consultant and former French international Christophe Dugarry, criticizing his severity toward current footballers, which Yoka views as hypocritical and motivated by buzz.

Guest on the Lockin podcast, Yoka first drew a comparison with Samir Nasri, whose commentary style he appreciates. “Samir Nasri, I like him. When he comments, whether it’s good or not, there’s a certain way of speaking. ‘Dugachy’, no. It’s like the guy was R9,” he said, referring to Ronaldo Nazário.

The French boxer then reminded listeners that Dugarry — who played for Olympique Marseille and AC Milan before moving into television — was himself a regular target of the French press during his playing career, particularly around the 1998 World Cup when he was selected by Aimé Jacquet. “He didn’t like them because they spoke badly of him. And you’re doing the same thing!” he hammered home.

For Yoka, the consultant’s virulence stems from media calculation rather than genuine conviction. “I think he does it because if he doesn’t, it won’t work. For me, you’re selling your soul. You’re doing it just to create buzz.” He extended his criticism to Jérôme Rothen, citing both men as examples of the same trend. “You weren’t Zidane. You had a nice career, quietly. Why are you being mean? To me it’s pointless cruelty that I don’t understand.”

These remarks come amid an ongoing debate about the stance of former players turned consultants, often accused of adopting a polemical tone to stand out in the media landscape.