How England stole the hearts of French-speaking female fans

"There is no more paper," a voice shouts. "There is no more paper," a young woman, wearing an OL jersey, translates to another draped in Arsenal colors. On this Sunday afternoon in April, they are waiting in a long queue outside the toilets of the bar where everyone has decided to hydrate before heading to the Groupama Stadium for a Champions League clash between the two teams. In response, the instant "oh, okay!" is sure to surprise the Lyonnaise. Despite her jersey, her neighbor is anything but English. Emma is from Toulouse, a French teacher, loves Arsenal and OL, but has chosen to wear a tunic bearing the logo of (Leah) Williamson, the Gunners defender, for this European match. "It's not every day that you see one of your favorites play, this was the occasion," she smiles.

From Geoffroy-Guichard, the scene of France-England in June 2024 a few months earlier, to the Parc OL for this Champions League semi-final second leg ( ultimately lost 4-1 by Lyon ), scenes in the same vein are repeated. The trend, with more blasphemous overtones on other grounds (among the boys or in the world of rugby), tells of a joyful and singular rapprochement between French-speaking followers and England, initiated it seems - after questions here and there - during Euro 2022.

With audience records shattered , the largest number of spectators, and the legendary final against Germany won (2-1, aet) by the Lionesses , the English edition made an impression beyond the results and shifted casual followers, often focused on France, towards a more intense and British passion. "The level of strategy in the final was crazy, the game very complete. There was a fervor in the stadium, for the players ," recalls Emma, ​​who followed it behind her screen. "The fans develop specific chants for each of them (like "Beth Mead on fire, you're defense is terrified" to the tune of Freed from Desire - we recommend a look at the Arsenal songbook ), create events on social networks to meet in bars before the matches. It makes you want to know more."

"There's a very active community, a way of supporting, living, backing, enjoying women's football there that speaks to me. Between international matches, you can follow the Championship for free on YouTube, that's a plus," says Mathilde, a journalist, torn between her love for PSG, Arsenal and England.

"Since it's less popularized, there's less of this very belligerent side that we find among guys, who say "this is my best team", who can insult each other or throw their fists. It's a little more chill, we just want to see cool matches. And since the England team is one of the most publicized, one of the best, everyone tends to like England in addition to their country's team," says Belgian columnist, podcaster and comedian Fanny Ruwet, also known for her love of football, and more particularly for OL, Manchester United, Estelle Cascarino and the English women. " Belgium is all very nice for me, but in reality, there's Tessa Wullaert who carries the whole team and then it's complicated. Generally speaking, I have the impression that English footballers are hyper-drilled (formatted) very early on: you never show any weaknesses, you answer what needs to be answered, the important thing is the three points... England is trying to do a few more formats on the networks, even mega-light stuff, but little things that make the players mega-endearing. When England, France or Spain face them, it's an opportunity to go and see them.

Even some fans of the Fenottes, the name of the OL players, despite being spoiled with titles in recent years (8 Champions League titles, a record), have given up a little place in their hearts for English players, touched by a particularly polished storytelling which promotes a better understanding of their personality. "I like it when you can see more of people than what they show on the pitch ," continues Fanny Ruwet. "Since they have and put in more resources, there is more to do for development. The fact that (Alessia) Russo and (Ella) Toone are mega friends, it's so great to watch. Besides, when Russo moved to Arsenal, I was so sad because I loved the duo so much. All these little stories between players, Williamson's charisma... We see the players more in real life, it makes them mega endearing."

"Generally speaking, I have the impression that footballers are hyper-drilled (formatted) very early on, you never show any weaknesses, you answer what needs to be answered, the important thing is the three points... England is trying to do a few more formats on the networks, even mega-light things, but little things that make the players mega-endearing.

On YouTube, you can see the Lionesses reacting as a duo to the season's highlights. Arsenal also challenges the players to guess who is the fake fan in a panel of five guests. "You can even buy a scarf with your favorite player's face on it," adds Emma.

Scarves sold with the image of Arsenal players. (Jacques Feeney / Offside / Presse Sports)

Their off-field commitments, such as "the feminist fight linked to wearing white shorts causing stress due to periods" or wearing the rainbow armband to denounce discrimination against the LGBT + community also contribute to strengthening this interest. Moreover, in order to deepen their knowledge and prolong their passion, Emma, ​​Mathilde and Fanny have in common the delight in filling the Panini albums of the Women's Super League (the English women's championship), launched in 2023. " I wander from store to store to find boosters when I have the opportunity to go to England... or I ask friends who are going there," laughs the first.

Enough to completely tip the female supporters over to the dark side of the force (meaning supporting England against the motherland)? "Not at all," Mathilde declares. "The French team is in the heart, the blood. I'm waiting for the first title with this team. It will be as strong as the one the boys won when they became world champions. It's the French team above all. There's no debate." Emma wouldn't disagree. We didn't miss the disappointed face after Lyon's elimination just outside the final on April 27, nor the sky blue scarf stamped with "Allez l'OL" sticking out of the backpack.