The French men’s volleyball team kicked off their 2025 World Championship campaign with a performance that left little doubt about their intentions. On Sunday, September 14, in Quezon City, Philippines, the double Olympic champions swept aside South Korea in straight sets—25-12, 25-18, 25-16—wrapping up the contest in just over an hour. If there were any questions about France’s readiness, they answered them emphatically, launching their quest for a historic world title with authority and flair.
The match unfolded as a showcase of French control and composure. From the opening points, Andrea Giani’s men seized the initiative, racing to early leads of 6-2 and 10-3 in the first set. South Korea, considered the weakest opponent in a group that also features Argentina and Finland, struggled to match the speed and precision of the French attack. The first set was over in a flash, setting the tone for what would become a one-sided affair.
Yet, credit to the South Koreans—they didn’t roll over. In the second set, they rallied to 10-10, briefly threatening to make things interesting. But France’s depth and experience soon told. The Bleus pulled away, closing out the set with the same clinical edge that’s become their trademark. The third set followed a similar pattern: South Korea kept pace at 8-6, but the French block and service game proved too much, and the European giants surged to victory.
Jean Patry led the charge for France, racking up 16 points, including 11 from attacks and three aces. His dominance at the net was a constant headache for the Korean defense. “It was important for us to enjoy ourselves and start this competition well,” Patry said in a post-match interview with the International Volleyball Federation. “We know this tournament will mark the end of something for our team; some guys will stop after. We really want to achieve something big. That’s a real motivation.”
Patry wasn’t the only standout. Nicolas Le Goff was a force at the net, notching four blocks, while Antoine Brizard contributed four aces from the service line. The French block was ruthless, outscoring the Koreans 11-4 in that department. At the service line, the numbers were just as lopsided: France delivered 10 aces, while South Korea failed to register a single one. It was the kind of all-around dominance that sends a message to the rest of the field.
All eyes, however, were on Earvin Ngapeth. The talismanic outside hitter, MVP of the last two Olympic finals, had spent the summer battling a right knee tendinopathy and was a question mark coming into the tournament. But any doubts about his fitness were quickly dispelled. Ngapeth started the match and played two and a half sets, scoring seven points—including five winning attacks—and showing flashes of his trademark creativity. In the second set, he delighted the crowd with a signature back-to-the-net attack, a reminder that he’s lost none of his flair. Though not quite at full throttle, Ngapeth’s presence steadied the team. He was replaced by Yacine Louati at the start of the third set, a move that allowed him to rest and Louati to get valuable court time.
This World Championship carries special significance for France’s so-called “golden generation.” Veterans like Nicolas Le Goff (33), Ngapeth (34), Jenia Grebennikov (35), and Benjamin Toniutti (who turns 36 in October) have collected every major international title over the past decade. But one prize has eluded them: a world title. The last time France stood on the World Championship podium was in 2002, when they won bronze. For these seasoned stars, this tournament is likely the last chance to claim the ultimate prize and cement their legacy as one of the sport’s greatest teams.
Coach Andrea Giani, himself a volleyball legend, has made no secret of the team’s ambitions. At a minimum, a podium finish is expected, but the real goal is clear: to win it all. The French squad’s unity and experience were on full display against South Korea, with the starting lineup mirroring the one that triumphed at the Paris Olympics last year. The chemistry and understanding between players was evident in their seamless transitions and relentless pressure on the opposition.
Looking ahead, the road gets tougher. France’s next match is set for Tuesday, September 16, at 12:00 PM against Finland. The Finns, for their part, are coming off a heartbreaker. On the same Sunday, they led Argentina two sets to none before ultimately falling 3-2 (19-25, 18-25, 25-22, 25-22, 15-11). That result is a warning for France: Finland can play at a high level and will be eager to bounce back. A win for the French would guarantee passage to the round of 16, raising the stakes for the upcoming contest.
The group stage format means every set and point could prove crucial. Only the top two teams from each group advance to the knockout rounds, so maintaining focus and intensity is non-negotiable. The French coaching staff is likely to rotate the squad as needed, especially with veterans nursing minor injuries or fatigue, but the core remains intact and hungry.
As the tournament unfolds in the Philippines, anticipation is building. Can France finally claim the world title that’s eluded them for so long? Will the golden generation go out on top, or will another contender seize the spotlight? One thing’s for sure: with the kind of performance they delivered against South Korea, the Bleus have put the volleyball world on notice.
For now, the French team can savor a job well done. They’ve started the World Championship exactly as they’d hoped—confident, efficient, and united. The real tests lie ahead, but if Sunday’s display is any indication, France is ready for whatever comes next. The dream of a first world crown is alive, and the journey continues.
