Antoine Dupont’s 2025 was outlined by his cruciate ligament damage eventually 12 months’s Six Nations, however what has he been as much as throughout his time away from the pitch?
Antoine Dupont is likely one of the star sights in the course of the Six Nations (Picture: Photograph by Ian MacNicol/Getty Pictures)
The Six Nations is again and with it comes French rugby’s returning hero. Almost 12 months in the past, Antoine Dupont was flattened on the breakdown by Andrew Porter and Tadhg Beirne, an incident which formed his complete 2025.
Generally considered the globe’s best participant, Dupont had skilled a exceptional 2024 the earlier 12 months, claiming Olympic gold with the French Sevens squad on the Paris Video games. He sat out that 12 months’s Six Nations owing to his Sevens coaching obligations, which means he might be desirous to characteristic within the 2026 match.
Dupont’s superstar standing in France is actually one thing to behold, notably as rugby rivals soccer for the title of the nation’s favorite sport. This author had the privilege of watching Dupont carry out in Toulouse final December, and when the half-time commercials appeared at Stade Toulousain for well-liked automobile producers and luxurious timepieces, Dupont featured in each single one. Not forgetting the completely deafening roar that erupted when he warmed up near our part of the stadium.
Owing to this extraordinary fame, regardless of his damage, Dupont remained on the forefront of French media all through 2025. His romance with Miss France and Miss Universe champion Iris Mittenaere has been extensively coated by publications Le Parisien and Paris Match earlier than the couple have been photographed on the French Open and Cannes Movie Pageant.
His superstar standing even extends past sport, with Dupont being interviewed at a Paris Saint Germain match and offering followers with updates on his damage. In addition to increasing into the realm of sports activities staff possession, Dupont was seen at Paris style week final 12 months and was even featured on Louis Vuitton’s podcast. His partnerships have been prestigious, too, with LV and LVMH collaborating with the rugby legend, alongside offers with Adidas, Peugot, Volvic and Tissot.
Antoine Dupont in motion for Toulouse (Picture: Photograph by Lionel BONAVENTURE / AFP through Getty Pictures)
There was additionally a characteristic in French GQ journal, the place he graced the entrance cowl. All of this represents a big departure from his modest beginnings in Castelnau-Magnoac. Nevertheless, Dupont’s mom has beforehand expressed concern for her son in an interview with French podcast Pourquoi le Rugby.
Tennis information, scores and match outcomes plus chosen presents and competitions Subscribe Invalid electronic mail
We use your sign-up to supply content material in methods you have consented to and to enhance our understanding of you. This will likely embrace adverts from us and third events primarily based on our understanding. You’ll be able to unsubscribe at any time. Learn our Privateness Coverage
He had featured on the entrance cowl of journal Tetu, which is an LGBTQ+ publication, the place he stated he’d halt a sport of rugby if he heard a homophobic touch upon the pitch. She stated she “cherished it” when he was on the entrance cowl and thought “he appeared very good-looking”, however admitted she was afraid that by making his voice heard, Dupont may very well be focused because of this.
“I am pleased with him, however I am afraid he’ll put himself in peril,” she stated. “That he’ll be attacked by homophobic, racist folks. I believe he is very brave to take a stand and be a little bit of a spearhead as a result of in rugby, there aren’t many individuals who communicate out.”
Leave a Reply