FLASH
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The Blues' match against Ukraine in the European Championship qualifiers takes on a particularly emotional charge. Ten years after the deadly attacks in Paris and Saint-Denis, the city is preparing to experience a night of strong symbolism, in a match that combines football with memory.
On November 13, 2015, 132 people were killed and more than 350 injured in coordinated terrorist attacks, including those at the Stade de France stadium, while France was playing a friendly match against Germany.
The current coach of the national team, Didier Deschamps, was on the bench at the time and did not hide his emotion when he spoke about the importance of the day: "I would have preferred not to play on November 13. This date belongs to the memory of the victims and their families," emphasized the French coach, underlining the respect of all the members of the team.
The choice of date has caused embarrassment and debate in France, as many felt that an international match should be avoided on that day. At the same time, the fact that the opponent is Ukraine, a country experiencing war, prompted authorities to take increased security measures in Paris.
UEFA sources said it was impossible to change the date, as all teams in the group must play on the same day for parity reasons, while the French Football Federation (FFF) had limited options to postpone the match due to the upcoming trip to Azerbaijan.
The choice of Parc des Princes also raised questions, with police sources expressing concern about the strain on the capital's security forces. However, the FFF stood by its decision, citing sporting and financial criteria.
Today is marked by a series of commemorative activities. On November 9, the "Race for Freedom" took place, with 1,700 runners passing through the sites of the attacks, while before the start of the match, a minute of silence will be held and a banner with the message "Football for Peace" will be hung.
France's players will wear the "Bleuet de France" emblem on their shirts, a foundation that supports victims of terrorism and wounded soldiers. A fundraiser will also be held around the stadium to support the families of the victims.
Former President Francois Hollande, then-Sports Minister Patrick Kaner and Salim Tourambali, the security guard who prevented a bomber from entering the Stade de France that fateful night, will be in the stands, as well as representatives from security forces and victim support organizations.
The match has drawn mixed reactions. The son of Manuel Diaz, the driver killed outside the Stade de France, called the date "strange" and said he would not attend. On the other hand, Catherine Bertrand, vice-president of the Association of Victims of Terrorism, said the match was "a powerful symbol, a response to hatred".
France captain Kylian Mbappe stressed that the team will play "with the families affected in mind", noting that "there are more important things than qualification". Deschamps, for his part, stressed that "the task of remembering is necessary. But there is also a football match, very important for us".
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