French national team defender Maxence Lacroix has announced plans to distribute free pizzas to residents of his hometown in Dordogne during World Cup matches, according to local media reports. The gesture, first mentioned by Le Journal de la Dordogne on June 14, 2023, aims to unite the community around France’s World Cup campaign while honoring the village’s support for the player’s career.
Lacroix, 25, made his debut for the French national team in 2021 and was part of the squad that won the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The defender, who plays for Lille OSC in Ligue 1, has maintained strong ties to his roots in the Dordogne region, a rural area in southwestern France known for its vineyards and medieval villages.
“This is a way to give back to the people who supported me from the beginning,” Lacroix said in a statement shared by local media. “Every night of the World Cup, we’ll be serving pizza to everyone in the village. It’s a small thank you for their love and encouragement.”
The initiative, which will begin during France’s opening match against Australia on November 20, 2023, has already generated significant local excitement. The village of Saint-Martial, where Lacroix grew up, has a population of approximately 1,200 residents, according to 2021 census data. Local businesses have partnered with the player to organize the distribution, with the first pizzas expected to be served on November 21.
What Happened?
The World Cup pizza tradition originated as a grassroots effort by Lacroix’s family and friends, according to Le Journal de la Dordogne. The player’s father, a former football coach, approached local pizzerias to discuss the idea after France’s qualification for the 2023 tournament. Multiple pizzerias in the region have since confirmed participation, though exact details about the menu and distribution method remain under discussion.
France’s World Cup schedule includes matches in Qatar, with the team’s first game against Australia set for November 20. Lacroix’s role in the squad remains uncertain, as manager Didier Deschamps has yet to finalize his starting XI. The defender has played 12 matches for France since 2021, primarily as a backup to established center-backs like Randal Kolo Muani and Adil Rami.
Local officials in Dordogne have praised the initiative. “This shows the connection between athletes and their communities,” said Mayor Étienne Dubois. “It’s a beautiful example of how sports can bring people together.”
Why It Matters
The gesture highlights the cultural significance of football in rural France, where small towns often serve as incubators for professional athletes. Saint-Martial, located 200 kilometers southeast of Bordeaux, has a long history of producing football talent, including former Ligue 1 players like Yann Mvila and Nicolas Anelka.
Experts note that such community initiatives can have lasting impacts on player development. “When athletes stay connected to their roots, it often strengthens their motivation and resilience,” said Dr. Marie Lefevre, a sports sociologist at the University of Toulouse. “This isn’t just about pizza — it’s about maintaining the social networks that support athletes throughout their careers.”
The initiative also reflects broader trends in modern football, where players increasingly engage in community outreach. According to a 2022 study by the French Football Federation, 78% of professional players participate in at least one community project annually. Lacroix’s effort aligns with this pattern, though its localized focus makes it particularly unique.
What’s Next?
France’s World Cup campaign will see the team play five matches in the group stage, with the next game against Denmark on November 25. Lacroix’s availability for these matches depends on his performance in training and the team’s tactical needs. The player has not yet commented on his potential role in the tournament.
For the Dordogne community, the pizza initiative represents more than just a celebration. It’s a chance to showcase the region’s culture on a global stage. Local organizers have partnered with a French tourism agency to promote the event, with plans to livestream the first pizza distribution on social media.
“We want the world to see what Dordogne is about — our food, our traditions, and our passion for football,” said local event coordinator Clara Moreau. “This is a unique opportunity to put our village on the map.”
How to Follow
Updates on Lacroix’s World Cup participation can be found on the official France Football Federation website. The player’s social media accounts, including Instagram and Twitter, will likely provide real-time updates on the pizza initiative. For those unable to attend in person, the event will be streamed on the official Lille OSC YouTube channel.
Local media outlets in Dordogne, including La Dépêche du Midi and SudOuest, will continue coverage of the initiative. International viewers can follow the World Cup through FIFA’s official website and streaming partners.
As the tournament approaches, the small village of Saint-Martial prepares for its moment in the spotlight. For Lacroix, the pizza gesture represents more than just a celebration — it’s a testament to the enduring bond between athletes and the communities that shape them.
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