The world of French football is in mourning following the sudden death of renowned journalist Didier Roustan at the age of 66. Roustan passed away during the night of September 10 to 11, as reported by L’Équipe. The esteemed football specialist had been notably absent from the airwaves of the L’Équipe channel since late June, and it has been revealed that he had been battling an illness.
Didier Roustan, originally from Brazzaville, Congo, and raised in Cannes, was a revered figure in the realm of sports journalism. His passion for football led him to a distinguished career that began with an internship at TF1. He quickly made a name for himself as a presenter on Téléfoot, where he played a significant role in shaping the show from 1986 to 1989. Roustan then moved to Canal+ and later to Antenne 2, where he provided commentary for major football events including Euro 92 and the 1994 World Cup in the United States, alongside renowned consultant Éric Cantona.
Beyond his contributions as a journalist, Roustan was deeply committed to advancing the welfare of football players and addressing issues within the sport. In 1995, he founded the International Association of Professional Players to advocate for players’ rights. He also co-founded an association with Arsène Wenger in 2003 aimed at combating discrimination and racism in football, both at amateur and professional levels. His work extended to L’Équipe TV, where he became a prominent figure after joining in 1999. Alongside Pierre Ménès and Karim Nedjari, he co-hosted the program Enfin du foot, known for its candid and unfiltered commentary.
From 2008 onwards, Roustan was a central figure on L’Équipe du Soir, where his outspoken views on football and his historical insights into legendary players like Diego Maradona, Johan Cruyff, and Pelé made him a cherished presence.
The news of Roustan’s passing has sparked a wave of tributes on social media, reflecting the deep respect and affection he garnered throughout his career. Many have expressed their sadness, noting that Roustan was not only a colleague but also a dear friend to many in the football community.