Sylvain Wiltord Named Patron of Dinard off Course 2027

Former France national team striker Sylvain Wiltord has been named the official patron for the 2027 edition of the Dinard Off Course, the city of Dinard announced.

A veteran of the French national team

Wiltord, who began his professional football career at Stade Rennais, remains a prominent figure in French sports. The Ville de Dinard confirmed his appointment for the seventh edition of the urban challenge, which is scheduled to take place on Saturday, March 27, 2027, in the Ille-et-Vilaine seaside town.

The former forward earned 92 caps for France and scored 26 international goals. His career is perhaps best remembered for his dramatic equalizing goal against Italy in the final of Euro 2000, a tournament the French side went on to win.

“Sylvain has marked the history of Les Bleus by scoring the equalizing goal against Italy in the final of Euro 2000, won by France,” the Ville de Dinard said on its official website.

Transition to padel and new challenges

Since retiring from professional football, Wiltord has shifted his focus toward other athletic pursuits, most notably padel. The municipality said that he is increasingly active in the sport and remains highly sought after for his expertise and competitive spirit.

Organizers view his involvement as a natural fit for the event, which has grown significantly since its inception. During the most recent edition, the race attracted 5,400 participants to the starting line, according to reports from Ouest-France.

Preparing for the 2027 race

The Dinard Off Course is designed as a challenge that encourages participants to explore the local heritage of Dinard through an urban running route. City officials emphasize that Wiltord’s reputation as a “champion of football” and a “passionate sportsman” aligns with the event’s focus on promoting physical activity and local tourism.

For those interested in participating, registration for the event is currently managed through the Nextrun platform. Additional information regarding the course and the schedule for the March 27 event is available on the official website of the City of Dinard.