2023-09-13 22:30:54
The meeting takes place in the Blues hotel, a few hours after the opening match of the World Cup against the All Blacks. “Hi Antoine” says the first when the other responds “hi, sorry, I’m in a hurry!” “. The first in question is Zinedine Zidane who came to discuss for the first time with Antoine Dupont at the initiative of the media Brut. “I’m happy to meet you,” says the rugby player to the equally flattered former footballer.
The two have one thing in common. 25 years apart, they are at the head of a French team which is playing a World Cup at home. The Toulousain’s dream is to imitate the Marseillais and win the Grail in a few weeks at the Stade de France, the place of the footballer’s greatest exploit.
When Zidane became world champion, Dupont was 18 months old. “I knew it was going to be weird to meet him,” says Dupont. I’m so used to seeing him on TV since I was little. Of course he is my idol: I screamed at his exploits, especially at the 2006 World Cup.”
Modestly, Zidane replies that the most impressed of the two is him. “Today, it’s me who shouts “Come on Antoine!” », he slips. What impresses me most about Antoine is his tranquility. He does things with great confidence. I see a little of myself in him, a little shy and reserved except on the field. »
Dupont smiled, embarrassed: “I didn’t even know that Zinedine knew me.” And Zizou continues: “Seeing him with the France team reminds me of lots of things. I imagine what he is going through and I advise him to take advantage of it. It’s only the beginning but it’s great to have started like that against the Blacks. It’s great. »
By October 28, the date of the final, Zinedine Zidane promises to be the first supporter of the Blues in the oval. “I have confidence in Antoine, in his team, their rise to power. » Antoine Dupont responds to his idol: “It’s perhaps the first time that people hope so much that we win it. We have been in the first world for 4 years, which has never happened. This puts additional pressure but gives a lot of hope. » Before leaving, in front of the camera, Zizou just says “Good luck” which says it all.
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