‘Football doesn’t make us stupid’: young French players challenge stereotypes at speaking contest

Young French Footballers Defy Stereotypes in Speaking Contest

Football doesn t make us stupid - At a recent national public-speaking competition in Versailles, a group of young French footballers challenged the notion that the sport breeds intellectual laziness. The event, organized by the non-profit Prométhée Éducation, brought together 20 athletes from ten elite academies to deliver five-minute speeches on diverse topics, from social justice to personal development. With the contest held in the UNESCO-listed Château de Versailles, the athletes faced a unique challenge: proving their eloquence and critical thinking skills to a panel of sports, cultural, and political experts. The initiative aimed to showcase that football does not make us stupid, offering a platform for players to break free from stereotypes that often limit their perceived potential.

A New Stage for Athletes

Among the participants was Arthur Bar, a 16-year-old from Paris Saint-Germain’s youth academy, who emphasized the importance of public speaking. “Football doesn’t make us stupid. Today, we showed that we can be intelligent, articulate, and passionate about more than just the game,” he said. His teammate Zélie Merlaud, from Mont-de-Marsan, added, “We’re not just players—we’re also students, and this contest helps us grow as individuals.” The duo’s speeches, which touched on children’s rights and the role of athletes as role models, highlighted the growing emphasis on holistic development in French football. The competition’s success also underscored how young players are being encouraged to excel beyond the pitch.

“We each showed our talents, one by one, and proved that football doesn’t make us idiots. I think today we managed to break down stereotypes.” — Arthur Bar

The contest, now in its third year, has become a symbol of the evolving relationship between sports and education. Mohamed Slim, the founder and a graduate of Sciences Po Paris, explained how the event addresses the challenges many young athletes face. “Those from disadvantaged backgrounds often lack the tools to express themselves effectively. Football doesn’t make us stupid—it’s about how we use it,” he stated. Slim’s vision is to equip players with communication skills that can shape public perception and empower them to speak confidently about issues beyond their sport.

Empowering the Next Generation

Usuman Kebeh, a 16-year-old midfielder at AS Monaco, emerged as a standout performer with his speech on “Is luck just an illusion?” His emotional delivery and personal anecdotes about his Gambian roots captivated the audience. “When I stepped on stage, I thought of Africa and all the people I represent,” he said. Kebeh’s success demonstrated the power of storytelling, proving that footballers can be both skilled on the field and insightful in the spotlight. The event’s organizers noted that such performances not only challenge stereotypes but also inspire future generations to embrace intellectual curiosity.

“It is a subject that stirs up a lot of emotion in me and I think is what allowed me to get the upper hand in the competition. I had no idea I had this talent.” — Usuman Kebeh

The competition has gained momentum, supported by major clubs like PSG, AS Monaco, and Olympique Lyonnais, which recognize the value of public speaking as a life skill. Slim highlighted how athletes are now being trained to communicate effectively, preparing them for roles as leaders and influencers. “The ability to speak clearly can change how people see us—and how we see ourselves,” he noted. As more players take part, the contest continues to redefine what it means to be a successful athlete in modern France, blending physical talent with intellectual ambition.

The event’s impact extends beyond individual achievements. By fostering a culture where players are encouraged to speak, it addresses long-standing misconceptions about the sport. As the first-time visitors to Versailles, the participants not only demonstrated their capabilities but also set a precedent for future events. The growing number of athletes embracing this challenge suggests a shift in mindset, where football is no longer seen as a barrier to intellectual growth but as a foundation for it. With each contest, the message remains clear: football doesn’t make us stupid—it’s up to us to make it a tool for more than just scoring goals.