Didier Roustan: The Man Who Loved Football




Didier Roustan was a French sports journalist who presented and commentated for multiple French football channels, most notably working for the television channel L'Équipe.


Roustan began his career working in the newsroom of the French newspaper Le Parisien before moving to the sports channel Canal+ in 1984, where he worked mostly on football broadcasts, notably presenting the UEFA Champions League for several seasons.

In 1999, Roustan joined L'Équipe, where he quickly became a key figure in the channel's football coverage, presenting and commentating on numerous matches, including the French national team's games. Roustan was known for his insightful analysis and his passion for football, which he conveyed to viewers through his enthusiastic and knowledgeable commentary.

Roustan was also a prolific writer, authoring several books on football, including Les Bleus en noir (2010) and Puzzle (2014). His writings were known for their sharp wit and their deep understanding of the game.

On September 11, 2024, Didier Roustan passed away at the age of 66. He is survived by his wife and two children.

Didier Roustan was a beloved figure in the French football community. He will be remembered for his passion for the game, his insightful analysis, and his dedication to his work.

  • Here are some of his most memorable moments:
  • His commentary on the 1984 European Championship final, when France beat Spain 2-0.
  • His analysis of the 1998 World Cup, when France won its first World Cup title.
  • His interviews with some of the biggest names in football, including Zinedine Zidane, Thierry Henry, and Lionel Messi.
  • His work as a mentor to young journalists who he helped to develop their careers.

Didier Roustan was a true legend of French football journalism. He will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him.