Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the strong football connection between India and France during a community event in Paris. Addressing the Indian diaspora, he noted the immense popularity of the French football team and its stars in India. Modi wished the French team the best of luck for the ongoing FIFA World Cup, praising their resounding victory over Senegal in the tournament opener.
PM Modi on Football Fever
"There is another thing that connects India and France: football. Football fever is at its peak right now. Its passion is visible everywhere in France. But the craze for football is at its peak in India too. The French team, in particular, has a huge fan following in India. France has started this World Cup with a resounding victory. I wish the French team all the best," said PM Modi.
Historical Football Ties
India played its first official international match as an independent nation against France on July 31, 1948. Playing mostly barefoot, the spirited Indian squad gave the French a massive scare, missing two penalties before ultimately losing 2-1. Despite the loss, the Indian team earned a standing ovation from the crowd.
Indian Origin in French Football
Vikash Dhorasoo, a former French professional footballer of Indo-Mauritian descent, made history as the first player of Indian origin to compete in a FIFA World Cup. Dhorasoo's forefathers were Telugu-speaking individuals from Vizianagaram, in present-day Andhra Pradesh. His ancestors migrated from India to Mauritius to work on sugarcane plantations under British colonial rule before his parents moved to France, where Vikash was born in 1973. He has frequently expressed pride in his Telugu heritage and Indian roots.
Dhorasoo was selected for the French national team squad for the 2006 tournament in Germany. He appeared in two matches as a substitute, totaling 16 minutes of play, against Switzerland and South Korea. France ultimately reached the final, finishing as runners-up to Italy.
India's Football Craze
India has a massive football fanbase, with millions following not only Indian football but also top-tier leagues worldwide, such as the Premier League (England), Ligue 1 (France), Bundesliga (Germany), and La Liga (Spain). French superstars Thierry Henry, Kylian Mbappe, and Zinedine Zidane are among the most popular and well-known footballers in India.
Mbappe led France to a fine 3-1 win over Senegal in their FIFA World Cup opener. During the match, Mbappe surpassed Olivier Giroud's 57 goals, becoming the leading goal-scorer for France with 58 goals, and also registered as the third-highest goal-scorer overall, outdoing Just Fontaine (13) and Pele (12).
