As back-to-back Olympic champions, pressure is building for France to also add the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship to the collection in this 2025 Manila edition.
France is definitely considered as a strong favorite in the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship, even if the country's last podium for this tournament came all the way back to 2002.
That’s because Les Bleus have enjoyed tremendous success in other competitions — especially the Olympics where they are back-to-back gold medalists.
Though the World Championship is a different beast, France isn’t counting itself short.
On a possible collision course with both defending champions Italy and world no. 1 Poland, France leans heavily on the team's self belief.
“We have confidence, we know what we can do. But [we know] it will be hard,” admitted Jean Patry, after a resounding opening game win over South Korea at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday.
“We have confidence, but we have to continue playing with good energy and having fun inside the court is the most important [thing].”
Taking pressure in stride
For France, the name of the game boils down to focusing on what the team can control.
With equally capable opposition also dreaming of reaching the top at the World Championship, the French hitters aren’t about to get themselves lost in all the expectations.
Jean Patry and two-time defending Olympic champs France set their eyes on the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship crown. | Photo: RM Chua / One Sports
“We don’t have to think too much about the pressure. We don’t have pressure, we just need to play and have fun in order to achieve the goal,” Patry said.
Among the key contributors of France’s good demeanor on the court are the Filipino fans who came out to support the world's no. 4-ranked squad.
[RELATED: Olympic champion France makes quick work of South Korea in FIVB Worlds opener]
Already in his third visit to the Philippines, Patry said that the fans are among the biggest motivators for the team here in Manila.
“It’s my third time for me here in the Philippines and the fans are always crazy. They like our team. They like Team France and a lot of guys inside the team. They follow us and they give energy so I’m very happy to play here,” said Patry.
Patry finished with a game-high 16 points in their complete win over South Korea.They play Finland next on Tuesday, September 16, at 6:00 p.m. still at the Big Dome.
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Luisa Morales is a sports writer with a special interest in promoting women’s sports.
Her coverage highlights include the UAAP, PVL, Southeast Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup. She also follows Alex Eala, the Philippine women’s national football team, and mixed martial arts.