Frank Leboeuf made his much-anticipated return to the dance floor on the hit show Danse avec les stars on March 21, 2025, following a week-long absence due to a torn muscle. The 57-year-old former football World Cup champion, who gained fame after his remarkable performance in 1998, faced unfortunate results upon his return, leading to his elimination from the show's 14th season.
In a dramatic paso doble routine with his partner Candice Pascal, the pair's performance featured a surprise appearance by guest star Vincent Moscato. However, the intricate dance was not enough to keep them safe from elimination; they quickly found themselves in the red zone, a position indicating they were at risk of being voted off the show.
Viewers of the popular TF1 network ultimately cast their ballots, saving Eve Gilles over Leboeuf, sealing his fate on the show. The audience's choice reflected the competitive nature of the dance competition and highlighted the challenges that even seasoned athletes face outside their comfort zones.
That evening's episode of Danse avec les stars managed to attract a solid viewership of 2.95 million, which placed the show in second position for the night, trailing behind the French drama series Tropiques criminels, which garnered 3.93 million viewers on France 2. The two shows faced off in a challenging ratings battle, demonstrating the pressures that popular television series experience to capture and maintain viewers’ attention.
While Leboeuf's journey in the competition may have come to an end, two other well-known athletes remain in the mix. Olympian swimmer Florent Manaudou continues his run on the show alongside partner Elsa Bois as well as Adil Rami, the 2018 World Cup champion, who is partnered with dancer Ana Riera. This year’s season features a diverse array of competitors, showcasing a mix of talents not just from athletics but across different facets of the French entertainment industry.
Interestingly, the first contestant to be eliminated from the 14th season was journalist and sports commentator Nelson Monfort, who was the earliest casualty, setting the tone for the competition. His early exit demonstrated how unpredictable and cutthroat the competition can be, breaking the hopes for many contestants on the show right at the outset.
As for Leboeuf, the experience on Danse avec les stars allowed him to explore a different side of performance and show his versatility beyond the football field, albeit briefly. Reflecting on the show, he had undoubtedly displayed enthusiasm and passion, displaying that even those at the pinnacle of their careers in one field may still enjoy the thrill of stepping into the spotlight of another.
Although eliminated, the former football star brought entertainment to fans and showcased a willingness to try something new, a courageous move that many would admire. His participation and the ongoing journey of athletes still in the running highlight the significance of finding joy in performance, irrespective of the outcome of the competition.
