C’est fou !

Football—while its definition might seem straightforward—is far from simple when it comes to its cultural significance and economic impact. It’s a multi-billion-dollar industry that spans sports and television, and for many, it’s as close to a religion as one can get. The passion it ignites can lead people to embrace or clash with complete strangers, often sidelining their own family and friends during a match.

Living in Europe, it’s impossible to escape the fervor surrounding football. Whether you love it or loathe it, it’s a pervasive part of the culture. The French national team, affectionately known as “Les Bleus” (The Blues), is named for their blue jerseys. Ironically, the team also represents a diverse group of players, some of whom might not fit the stereotypical image of French elite in media or high society. This observation might be subjective, given my limited connections in France, but it highlights an interesting aspect of the country’s football scene.

Recently, we were discussing the potential outcomes of the last two quarter-finals of the 2006 FIFA World Cup. The worst-case scenario for France would have been a defeat by Brazil coupled with England winning their match against Portugal. The “so-so” situation would have been losing to Brazil but with England also falling short. At least this would mean facing their arch-rivals, the English, without additional embarrassment.

In my view, the ideal scenario would have been a French and English victory, leading to a semi-final clash between the two. This would add an extra layer of drama: what if France lost to England in the semi-finals? However, reality turned out even better than expected—France won their match, and England lost theirs. The result was nothing short of a “DOUBLE Fête” for France. The entire country erupted in celebration, reveling in the unexpected turn of events.

The euphoria that gripped France was a testament to football’s power to unite and elate a nation. The World Cup not only showcases the sport’s global appeal but also highlights how deeply it resonates within individual countries, often turning sports events into national celebrations.