Paris – A recent survey has revealed the personalities most admired by children aged 7-14 in France, with a distinctly sporty flavor topping the charts. Singer Soprano has secured the number one spot, followed closely by NBA star Victor Wembanyama and football icon Olivier Giroud, according to an annual ranking released Thursday by Le Journal de Mickey.
This marks the sixth time Soprano has reached the pinnacle of this particular list, though not consecutively. Last year, the spotlight shone on swimmers and judokas, with Léon Marchand and Teddy Riner taking the top two positions following their successes at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The enduring appeal of music, however, has brought Soprano back to the forefront.
Wembanyama, the 22-year-aged phenom currently playing for the San Antonio Spurs, has quickly captured the imagination of young fans. His impressive skills and rising profile in the NBA have propelled him to second place. Giroud, a 39-year-old veteran forward currently playing for Lille and a 2018 World Cup champion, rounds out the top three, demonstrating the continued influence of established football stars.
The survey, conducted by OpinionWay between January 12th and 19th, polled a representative sample of 618 children. Participants evaluated 60 French or French-speaking personalities who made headlines in 2025, and the top 50 most recognized were then ranked based on their average scores. The results highlight a strong preference for male athletes among this age group.
Interestingly, the top ten likewise includes a significant presence of digital creators. Inoxtag and Michou secured the 4th and 9th positions respectively, reflecting the growing influence of online content creators on younger audiences. This demonstrates a shift in the sources of inspiration for children, extending beyond traditional media figures.
While male athletes dominate the upper echelons of the ranking, the first female personality to appear is singer Marine, landing at number ten. However, the survey also revealed a concerning trend: no women made it into the top 10 for boys, or for the 11-14 age bracket. “Eleven women feature in the top 50, a proportion comparable to that observed among adults. But a finding raises questions: no women appear in the top 10 of boys, nor in that of the 11-14 year olds,” noted Le Journal de Mickey in a statement.
The overall results demonstrate a clear connection between current events and the personalities that resonate with young people. The recent successes of Marchand and Riner at the Olympics last year clearly influenced the 2025 rankings, and Wembanyama’s emergence as a star in the NBA is now having a similar effect. This suggests that children are paying attention to, and being inspired by, the achievements of athletes and performers on the world stage.
The popularity of these figures likely stems from a combination of factors, including athletic prowess, musical talent, and engaging online presence. For many young fans, these personalities represent role models who embody success, dedication, and a passion for their craft. The fact that twelve athletes feature in the top 50, with six in the top 10, underscores the importance of sports in the lives of French youth.
Le Journal de Mickey, a bi-monthly publication, averaged around 48,000 copies sold in 2025. However, the magazine’s future is uncertain, as its license will not be renewed by Disney after March 2027, leading to its discontinuation by Unique Heritage Media.
Looking ahead, it will be interesting to witness how the rankings evolve in the coming years. The continued success of Wembanyama in the NBA, Giroud’s performance with Lille, and the emergence of new stars in various fields will undoubtedly shape the preferences of young fans. The survey provides a valuable snapshot of the cultural landscape for this demographic, offering insights into their values, interests, and aspirations.
The next update to this ranking is expected with the release of Le Journal de Mickey’s 2027 list, providing another opportunity to assess the evolving tastes of French youth. Fans can follow the careers of Soprano, Wembanyama, and Giroud through their respective official channels for the latest updates and performances.
