‘Everything Started Here’: Robert Pirès to Celebrate Jubilee at FC Metz’s Stade Saint-Symphorien

For Robert Pirès, the journey to the pinnacle of world football—World Cup trophies, European championships, and English league titles—began in the Moselle region of France. On Wednesday, April 15, 2026, the French football legend officially announced that he will return to his roots to celebrate his jubilee in a gala match this autumn.

The event is scheduled for Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at the Stade Saint-Symphorien in Metz. The announcement was made during an “exceptional” press conference held at the venue, where Pirès was joined by FC Metz President Bernard Serin and Honorary President Carlo Molinari.

For the 52-year-old former winger, the choice of location was an emotional necessity. “For me, it was normal that if I were to have a jubilee, it would take place here in Metz, at the Stade Saint-Symphorien,” Pirès stated. “Here’s where my adventure as a professional began.”

A Homecoming for a Club Legend

Pirès arrived at FC Metz in 1992 at the age of 18. Over the next six years, he established himself as one of the club’s most influential players, making 198 appearances and scoring 48 goals before departing for Olympique de Marseille in 1998. It was during his tenure with the “Grenats” that Pirès earned his first call-up to the French national team in 1996.

The press conference highlighted the deep bond between the player and the club’s leadership. Pirès expressed specific gratitude toward Carlo Molinari, now 93, and Francis De Taddeo, the director of the training center then and now, for their early belief in his potential. “I must thank the club, because if I am here, it is thanks to FC Metz,” Pirès said, noting that signing his first professional contract remains his fondest memory.

Bernard Serin, the 75-year-old current president of FC Metz, emphasized the enduring popularity of the former star. Serin noted that Pirès’ legacy—including memories of League Cup victories and European matches—is still shared with the club’s younger generation today. Serin expressed confidence that the event would be a “great success” and promised that ticket prices would remain affordable to ensure fans can fill the stadium to honor the legend.

From the Moselle to World Dominance

While his professional foundation was laid in Metz, Pirès’ career eventually spanned the globe’s most prestigious stages. He became a household name as a cornerstone of the France national team, earning 79 caps and scoring 14 goals. His international trophy cabinet is headlined by the 1998 FIFA World Cup and the Euro 2000 championships.

Beyond the national team, Pirès achieved legendary status in the English Premier League with Arsenal FC, where he won two league titles. His career also saw him feature for other major clubs, including Villarreal, adding to a professional resume that has seen him transition from a lethal winger to a respected consultant for Canal Plus.

Note for global readers: The Stade Saint-Symphorien is located in Metz, France, and the match is scheduled for a 9:00 PM (21:00) local time kickoff.

A Gala Match of Legends

The jubilee will not be a mere ceremonial appearance but a full-scale gala match. Pirès intends to reunite with the teammates who defined his career across three different eras of his life.

The proposed format involves a match where a selection of FC Metz alumni will face off against a “Legends” squad. This opposing side is expected to feature Pirès’ former teammates from:

• Arsenal FC: His former colleagues from the height of the Premier League.
• The French National Team: Specifically the stars of the 1998 World Cup-winning squad.
• Villarreal: Teammates from his time in Spain.

This gathering represents a rare opportunity for fans to see some of the most decorated players of the late 1990s and early 2000s share a pitch once again, nearly 30 years after Pirès first stepped onto the professional stage in Metz.

The event serves as a bridge between the modern era of FC Metz and the golden period of the 1990s. For Pirès, who officially retired from professional football more than a decade ago, the match is a full-circle moment—returning to the city and the stadium where his journey began.

Further details regarding ticket sales and the final roster of legendary players are expected to be released by the club in the coming months. For more updates on the event, fans are encouraged to follow official regional reports from France 3 or L’Équipe.

Next Checkpoint: FC Metz is expected to announce official ticket pricing and the final list of guest players as October approaches.