The documentary Têtes plongeantes, a 56-minute film produced by the charitable collective Génération 2018, is being integrated into French middle school curriculums to address youth mental health. Following the extension of the “Grande cause nationale” dedicated to mental health through 2026, the project aims to break the stigma surrounding psychological struggles by using the testimonies of 2018 World Cup champions.
Samuel Umtiti and classroom engagement
On October 12, former French national team defender Samuel Umtiti visited an eighth-grade (4e) class near Lyon to lead a discussion on mental health. Umtiti, who promoted the film upon its release in December 2025, shared his own experiences of isolation during his professional career. Solitude is something very strong, which can really kill a person. Not talking can kill. That’s what happened to me for months and months, I had the impression of being there without being there,
the defender noted in the documentary, according to reporting by Ouest-France.
Documentary content and participant testimonies
The film, directed by Lenny Grosman, features intimate conversations between adolescents and professional athletes. Beyond Umtiti, the documentary includes testimonies from Raphaël Varane, Olivier Giroud, Blaise Matuidi, Djibril Sidibé, and Gaëtane Thiney. According to coverage from the French Football Federation (FFF), these players reveal experiences with anxiety, depression, loneliness, and harassment that occurred despite their high-profile sporting successes. The initiative aims to provide a platform for these invisible wounds,
noting that while 25% of the French population will face a mental health issue in their lifetime, 60% of people currently prefer not to discuss their struggles.
Federation efforts and the FFF mental health program
The FFF has been active in mental health prevention for five years, led by Chloé Leprince, head of the FFF research center. A specialized program, developed by a working group established in 2025 within the National Technical Directorate (DTN), provides tools for players, parents, and trainers. As of the start of the current school year, these resources are available to more than 600 players in France’s pôles espoirs (ages 13–14). The initiative also supports approximately 200 coaches who have received specialized training since 2021, as well as referees. The Federation intends to expand this prevention strategy to include older athletes within training centers and national youth squads.
Mental health resource reach
The integration of Têtes plongeantes into schools is a collaborative effort with the French Ministry of National Education. By utilizing the reach of the 2018 World Cup winners, organizers hope to encourage students to speak more freely about their own mental well-being. The documentary is currently available for viewing on the Booska-P YouTube channel, serving as a primary resource for these classroom discussions.
Worth a look
