“A Monument to Our Sporting and Television History”: Emmanuel Macron Mourns the End of Téléfoot

Paris, France – As French television prepares to say goodbye to Téléfoot, a program that has been a Sunday morning ritual for generations, President Emmanuel Macron has publicly lamented the show’s impending end. The program, confirmed to cease broadcasting at the end of the current season on March 24, 2026, holds a special place in the hearts of French football fans, and Macron is among them.

Speaking to Paris Match as part of a series focusing on the iconic show, Macron reflected on Téléfoot’s nearly five-decade run, which began in 1977 – the same year he was born. He described the program as “a French ritual for almost fifty years,” paying tribute to its first presenter, Pierre Cangioni. “Little by little, thanks to the talent of its presenters, the show became the moment where a vital subject was treated with passion and lightness,” Macron said. “It established itself as the weekly family reunion of French football. Like so many others, I experienced all the epics of Marseille and those of our Bleus through the reports, debates, and camaraderie of the show.”

From Gilardi’s Unforgettable Voice to Margotton’s Rigor

Macron, a known supporter of Olympique de Marseille, fondly recalled “the iconic themes and legendary moments” that defined Téléfoot. He specifically mentioned Thierry Roland, remembering “his laughter, his jokes, his fanciful greetings,” and Michel Denisot’s “elegance.” These figures, along with others, shaped the landscape of French sports broadcasting for decades.

The President similarly took a moment to remember Didier Roustan, who passed away on September 11, 2025, expressing a “particular affection” for the journalist. He also acknowledged the “dry wit” of Jean Raynal and the often-controversial moments that punctuated the show’s history, including a well-known public altercation between Bernard Tapie and Pascal Praud in October 2001.

Macron didn’t overlook the more recent presenters, praising Christian Jeanpierre’s “seriousness and smile” and the “rigor and good humor” with which Grégoire Margotton and his colleagues led Téléfoot in recent years, including coverage of the French national team, Les Bleus, at Clairefontaine, in Russia, and in Qatar.

He reserved a final tribute for Thierry Gilardi, describing him as having “an unforgettable voice” and recalling his emotional reaction to Zinedine Zidane’s infamous red card during the 2006 World Cup final against Italy. Gilardi’s passionate commentary became instantly iconic, encapsulating the heartbreak felt by a nation. “After everything it has done for us,” Macron concluded solemnly, “Téléfoot will be missed and will remain a monument to our sporting and television history.”

Téléfoot’s influence extends far beyond simply reporting scores and highlights. For many French families, it was a shared experience, a weekly tradition that brought them together to discuss the attractive game. The show’s longevity is a testament to its ability to adapt and remain relevant through changing times, reflecting the evolving landscape of French football and society.

The program’s demise marks the end of an era, leaving a void in the hearts of football fans across France. While the future of football coverage on French television remains to be seen, the legacy of Téléfoot will undoubtedly endure. It wasn’t just a television show; it was a cultural touchstone, a shared memory, and a vital part of France’s sporting identity.

The end of Téléfoot also prompts reflection on the changing media landscape. The rise of streaming services and digital platforms has disrupted traditional broadcasting models, forcing television networks to adapt or risk becoming obsolete. The decision to end Téléfoot is a stark reminder of these challenges and the need for innovation in the face of evolving consumer habits.

For President Macron, and for countless French football fans, Téléfoot represented more than just a game. It was a connection to a shared passion, a source of joy and heartbreak, and a reminder of the power of sport to unite a nation. Its absence will be keenly felt, but its memory will live on.

The final broadcasts of Téléfoot are scheduled for later this season, offering a final opportunity for viewers to relive the show’s rich history and bid farewell to a beloved institution. As the curtain falls on this chapter of French television, the echoes of legendary commentators and unforgettable moments will continue to resonate with fans for years to reach.

What’s Next: The future of Sunday morning football coverage on TF1 remains uncertain. The network has not yet announced plans for a replacement program. Fans can continue to follow French football coverage on other platforms, including beIN SPORTS and Canal+.

What are your favorite Téléfoot memories? Share your thoughts in the comments below!