Football: Deschamps undergoes surgery to support young player after suffering mid-match heart attack

A completely unexpected visit that brings smiles back after heart surgery. This is what Jean-Pierre, a young licensee (15) from CS Brétigny, experienced this Monday when he saw France coach Didier Deschamps entering his hospital room. On January 8, Essonne player Jean-Pierre took part in a friendly match between his under-16 team and Yerr-Krohn team. During the match, he had a heart attack.

Among the handful of spectators present, an 18-year-old firefighter gave him first aid while waiting for help to arrive. A gesture that undoubtedly saved a minut’s life. After being admitted to the Necker Hospital, Jean-Pierre underwent a successful operation. “The good news is that his father just told me that he is safe now,” says Essonne development manager Sebastien Michel.

The leader then talks about the bottom of this photo posted on CS Brétigny’s Twitter account this Wednesday. “I spoke yesterday (Tuesday) with JP, as I do every day, to hear from him,” he said. He replies that I feel good and then sends me a picture of himself with Didier Deschamps. Then I tell him: oh, great! Do you allow me to broadcast it on the social networks of the club to put everyone at ease, because I receive a lot of messages from teammates, teachers, and also from Essonne Football? He agreed. “Before we continue:” We would like to thank fireman Antoine, without whom JP would be no more, and the Yerres club, who received the news very regularly. »

This Monday, the Blues coach visited young people admitted to the Necker Hospital, a facility he regularly visits as part of Operation Yellow Figures, which he has sponsored for the fifth year in a row. That is why the 2018 Tech World Champion, the finalist of the last World Championship in Qatar, recently extended to 2026, met JP.

“I don’t know yet if he can resume football”

“This is a matter to which I am very sensitive,” Deschamps explained last year. If my fame can help the association, that’s good. I think it gives me more pleasure to go and see these children than it is for them to see me. They always have a banana and an incredible joy of life when they get into very difficult situations. It makes you feel less inclined to complain about yes or no. »

In Brétigny, the good news calmed the entire club, known for its training policy with hundreds of players who have turned pros, such as Dortmund striker Sebastian Aller. “We had the pain of losing a young man at the recreation center 4 years ago,” recalls Bakary Koite, former captain of the Vympel (N3) team and now assistant head coach. In the past few days, I have experienced an emotional high. When I found out that he was better, I was relieved, as if it were my son. We are a family club close to the players. I don’t know yet if he will be able to resume football, but we all wish him great happiness. »