Adil Rami, the former French footballer and current contestant on the ever-popular dance competition Danse avec les stars, recently captured the hearts of viewers with his touching performance dedicated to his mother. On February 21, 2025, Rami took to the dance floor with his partner Ana Riera, showcasing not only his dance moves but also his deep emotional connection to his family.
Rami's performance was enriched by the choice of music — the poignant track "Les Yeux de la Mama," originally performed by the renowned Kendji Girac and covered by Julien Doré. This choice held special significance for Rami, who explained, "I think you succeed in life when you make your mom proud. That’s my greatest trophy." This moment on the show allowed him to reflect on his upbringing and express his gratitude for the sacrifices his mother made for him.
Leading up to the prime, Rami took the opportunity to introduce Ana Riera to his family at Fréjus, the town where he grew up. During this emotional segment, Rami shared, "It's magical what she has done for us. Today, I owe her everything. And when she says ‘thank you,’ I tell her it’s because of her. She deserves all the ‘thank you’s’ in the world." This heartfelt acknowledgment was met with tears from Rami, illustrating the bond he shares with his family.
While he is not originally known as a dancer, Rami described his approach to participating on the show. "I'm not a dancer but I think I'm a showman. I'm not afraid of ridicule, I love to move and have fun." His lighthearted spirit shone through, even as he exhibited vulnerability during his performances, depicting the often hidden sides of his character.
The emotional performance left the judges moved, with comments reflecting the depth of his presentation. Judge Chris Marques remarked, "Each time, you give us complete choreography. It's always very clean and precise," emphasizing the technical skill Rami has developed throughout the competition.
Throughout the experience, Rami has faced his past openly and courageously, which has allowed him to connect with the audience and convey his story through dance. His courage to express his emotions openly has been likened to storytelling, where each dance reveals not just skill but the heart of the individual behind the performances.
While the competition heats up on Danse avec les stars, Rami's success is not only defined by the scores he receives but also by the emotional connections he fosters and the legacy of gratitude he wishes to instill. The former athlete speaks to his personal growth, stating, "Everything I’ve done has brought me here, and I do not regret it. I grew thanks to my experiences, and I became who I am because of them. That’s what’s important to me." This narrative has made Rami one of the most relatable and beloved personalities on the show.
Expectations are high for Rami and Riera as they continue their dance tenure. While winning the competition may be on the mind of many, Rami seems most determined to honor his roots and showcase the power of family. With the season's first elimination looming, each dancer is pushed to not only perform well but to touch the judges and audience with their stories. Rami's heartwarming dedication will undoubtedly resonate through the competition and beyond.