French blind football captain Frederic Villeroux reflects on golden moment

The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games was full of French pride, and nowhere was that more evident than at the Eiffel Tower Stadium on the night of the blind football final.

France were an outside bet for the gold from the start, but when they lined up against Argentina, who were fresh from ending six-time winners Brazil’s dominance in the semi-finals, they needed the nation behind them. Under the glow of Paris’ most famous landmark, the city came alive, out in force to roar the team on to a historic victory.

The noise was deafening, from the moment the national anthem blared out to every break in play; 11,000 people inspired one of the home nation’s most memorable moments, deep into the Paralympic Games.

It was down to Frederic Villeroux to score the deciding penalty in a 3-2 shootout win, after he had opened the scoring in normal time before Argentina equalised.

“Our sport has finally been recognised in France,” Villeroux tells the IPC a year on from the Games. “The gold medal, at home, in front of my family and friends, after years of struggle and sacrifice… I simply felt a profound joy.

“It was the culmination of 21 years of hard work, 12 years after the silver medal in London (2012). These are unforgettable moments. When you have 11,200 fans singing, it galvanises you and gives you enormous energy to push yourself to the limit.

“For the first match and the final, I had chills... and even a few tears.”

France became the second team to win Paralympic blind football gold. @Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Defying the odds

Brazil had never been beaten on the biggest stage, and they met the hosts in the group stage, so France had very little expectation going into the tournament. Villeroux certainly did not foresee glory.

“Before the competition, our coach firmly believed in the gold medal,” he says.

“Personally, I would have considered myself lucky if we had just made it through the group stages. Our group included China, the runner-up to the world champion, and Brazil, the reigning Paralympic champion.

“We didn't believe it, but we promised ourselves we would give it our all so we wouldn't have any regrets.”

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Carrying the hopes of the host nation

If anyone had to shoulder responsibility, though, it was Villeroux. He is captain and talisman; his teammates, coach and fans looked to him to inspire them.

How did he deal with that?

“I appreciated the fact that the coach and my teammates trusted me, despite—or even thanks to—my personality: frank and demanding, I always stick to my convictions.

“I appreciate that my words and decisions are heard and followed by action. It's flattering to be a role model for my teammates and for future generations of blind footballers.

“I like to listen to the team and to each player. We must ensure that we maintain bonds within the team to strengthen cohesion.”

Villeroux says Paris 2024 has not only increased awareness and interest in blind football, but has also helped people with different disabilities gain more acceptance in society.

“The general public has been made aware of Para sport and has wonderful memories. Children will remember that a person with a disability can participate in almost any sport.

“Sport opens doors and sets an example for greater inclusion. Respect and inclusion for all people with disabilities should be reflected in the Paralympic Games.

“During the Games, disability becomes a source of pride. We are more frequently asked to speak in schools, businesses, and at conferences to talk about Para sport and disability. It is also more prominently featured in the print media.”

Villeroux, right, was competing at his fourth Games, 20 years after making his Paralympic debut at Athens 2004. @Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Home Games heroics

Yet, there is still a long way to go, Villeroux says.

“The truth is that communication around our sport is still not up to scratch. And as a result, we struggle to attract spectators to competitions.”

Having competed in three Games before Paris 2024 - at London 2012, Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020- Villeroux’s experience has proven invaluable for France. He almost retired in 2020 with injuries a concern, but had to hold on for Paris, to perform in front of his people.

“Representing France at the Paralympic Games is a tremendous honour. It's a privilege to have done it four times. I actually considered retiring from sport after the Tokyo Games.

“But who can give up on a home Games?”

France won gold, Argentina took silver and Brazil took bronze in blind football at Paris 2024. @Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images for IPC

More glory in the future?

Will he stop now? Don’t count on it. There is more home success to be had, and Villeroux is desperate to be involved.

“I wanted to stop after Paris, but I'm going to try to make it at least to the 2026 European Championship, since it's taking place in France. During this Euro, we'll play every match like a final, because all our opponents will want to beat the Paralympic champions.

“The hardest part will be remaining champions.”

Champions. It felt like a dream before it happened. Now one year on, for Villeroux and France, it is the most special of memories.

Villeroux and the French team are aiming for another podium finish at the 2026 IBSA Blind Football European Championship Division 1 in August next year. @Andy Lyons/Getty Images

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