It is with great sadness that we learn of the death of iconic journalist Didier Roustan, who passed away this Wednesday at the age of 66 following a recently diagnosed cancer. A true figure of sports journalism, he left his mark on French television for over four decades.

A passionate football fan and an icon of sports journalism

Soccer specialist Didier Roustan was a respected and much-loved voice among fans of the sport. Since his debut over 40 years ago, he has captivated audiences with his passion and unique vision of soccer. A former presenter of TF1’s flagship Téléfoot program, he has also appeared on Antenne 2 (now France 2) and Canal+. More recently, he had established himself as a key figure on L’Équipe du Soir, broadcast on the L’Équipe channel, where he held the honorary role of “president for life”, embodying his love of the beautiful game.

“He invented a new television language around the round ball”.

Roustan didn’t just commentate on soccer; he created a real style, a new television language around the king of sports. His poetic approach and positive spirit redefined the way soccer was discussed on television. Among his admirers, David Lisnard, Mayor of Cannes, paid tribute to him in the following terms: “A passionate Cannois, attached to the red and white, he loved soccer, above all the beautiful game and great stories. He invented a new television language around the round ball, filled with positive spirit and poetry.”

A career marked by innovation and commitment

Didier Roustan also left an indelible mark on the international sports scene. After leaving TF1 in 1989, he contributed to the creation of the League Cup during his time at Antenne 2, and was involved in commentary for major events such as Euro 1992 with Michel Hidalgo and the 1994 World Cup alongside Eric Cantona.

In addition to his work as a journalist, he was also a committed player in the cause of footballers. In 1995, alongside Eric Cantona and Diego Maradona, he founded the Association Internationale des Joueurs Professionnels (AIFP), the world’s first footballers’ union. His commitment didn’t stop there: in 2003, he co-founded the Foot Citoyen association with Arsène Wenger, an initiative aimed at combating violence and racism in soccer.

An unforgettable legacy

With the passing of Didier Roustan, the world of soccer and sports journalism loses an emblematic figure, a lover of the beautiful game, and a man who, throughout his career, combined passion, creativity and commitment for the good of the sport.