Seventeen-year-old Esteban Abrivard is preparing to compete in the first-ever Baseball5 tournament at the Youth Olympic Games, scheduled to take place in Dakar, Senegal, from October 30 to November 3, 2026. A member of the Rabbits of Clapiers-Jacou, Abrivard is part of the French squad aiming to secure a medal while representing the sport on the international stage.
The competition, held at the Complexe Tour de l’Œuf, will feature eight teams. France is placed in Group B alongside Kenya, Syria (represented by the WBSC refugee team), and Mexico. The tournament format leads to quarterfinals and semifinals on November 2, followed by the medal matches on November 3.
From primary school introduction to the national team
Abrivard’s athletic development began in primary school through an instructor who also coached a 12U baseball team. This early exposure led him to the Rabbits of Clapiers-Jacou, where he continued to refine his skills in both traditional baseball and the emerging Baseball5 discipline. His progression included competing for the Occitanie region during the 2024 Little League Senior Interleague games and participating in the Pôle France Baseball5 in Montpellier.
His experience at the national level grew through appearances at the 2025 and 2026 French Internationals. This trajectory through federal structures and the national team has prepared him for the upcoming Olympic environment in Dakar.
Building team chemistry for the Youth Olympic Games
As the team prepares for the tournament, Abrivard says a cohesive roster is essential. He notes that the French squad benefits from a mix of long-time teammates and newer players who have integrated into the group’s rhythm. This unit is motivated by a shared desire to maintain their enthusiasm for the game while adjusting to the high-stakes atmosphere of the Youth Olympics.
The transition of Baseball5 to the Olympic program carries significant weight for the players. Abrivard acknowledges the pressure inherent in being part of the discipline’s debut, stating that he feels a responsibility to honor the sport and hopes the Dakar Games will help expand its reach to a broader audience.
Schedule and competition format in Dakar
The Baseball5 tournament begins on October 30, one day before the official opening ceremony, which is set for October 31. The group stage matches for France are scheduled as follows:
- October 30: France vs. Kenya
- October 31: France vs. WBSC refugee team (Syria)
- November 1: France vs. Mexico
Following the group stage, the tournament progresses to the knockout rounds. The quarterfinals and semifinals will take place on November 2, with the tournament concluding with the medal matches on November 3.
Keep reading
