France Defends Cécifoot European Title Against England with Villeroux's Goal

France has retained its European Cécifoot title, a variant of football for visually impaired players, by defeating England 1-0 in the final held in Strasbourg. The French team, who are also the Paralympic champions from the Paris 2024 Games, secured their victory thanks to a decisive goal from captain Frédéric Villeroux.

Villeroux, who was born with a congenital eye condition that affects his vision, scored the sole goal of the match in the first half. He showcased impressive dribbling skills on the left flank before slotting a cross-shot into the right side of the English net. The French team, known as Les Bleus, displayed resilience, fending off English attacks and forcing saves from the English goalkeeper on shots from Villeroux and Babacar Niang, who together scored all ten of France's goals in the tournament.

The match was played on a handball-sized pitch, specially prepared for the tournament. Each Cécifoot team is assisted by a guide positioned behind the opposing goal, with the goalkeeper being the only fully sighted player. In this eight-nation tournament, France had previously beaten England 4-1 in the group stage and had a perfect record with three wins.

This second consecutive European title, and fourth overall for France, solidifies their strong position in the sport. It also qualifies them, along with England and Italy, for the 2027 World Championship in Brazil. The top five nations from this Euro will also compete in the 2027 European Parasports Championships in Geneva, with both events offering pathways to the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympic Games.