PARIS — France captain Kylian Mbappe said on Thursday that the national football team is united in remembrance of the victims of the 2015 Paris terror attacks as they prepare to face Ukraine in a World Cup qualifier on the 10th anniversary of the tragedy.
Mbappe, speaking at a press conference ahead of Friday’s match at the Stade de France, said the team wanted to pay homage to those who lost their lives and the families still living with the pain of that night.
“We wanted to remember all those who have lost loved ones,” said Mbappe. “We’ll try tomorrow to pay tribute to all these people by trying to put smiles on the faces of those who come to the stadium.”
The Stade de France itself was one of the targets of the coordinated terror attacks on November 13, 2015, when suicide bombers detonated explosives outside the stadium during a friendly match between France and Germany.
The blasts were part of a series of assaults across the capital, including the Bataclan concert hall and several cafés, which left 132 people dead and hundreds more injured.
The anniversary holds deep emotional significance for the team, many of whom were children or teenagers when the attacks occurred. The French Football Federation (FFF) announced that a minute of silence will be held before kickoff, and players will wear black armbands in tribute.
France coach Didier Deschamps said the team understands the symbolic weight of the occasion. “It’s not just another game,” he noted. “It’s a reminder of how fragile life can be, and how important unity and resilience are to the French people.”
Security will be heightened around the Stade de France, with officials confirming a reinforced police presence in and around the venue. Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin assured that all necessary precautions are being taken to ensure the safety of fans and players.
The match against Ukraine carries both emotional and sporting importance. France leads their qualifying group but will look to solidify their position with a win on a night of remembrance.
Mbappe emphasized that the players are determined to represent the spirit of solidarity that defined France’s response to the attacks. “Football brings people together,” he said. “If we can give even a little comfort and pride to our supporters, then we’ll have done something meaningful.”
As the lights shine once more over the Stade de France, the echoes of that dark night remain — but so does the nation’s enduring strength, unity, and hope.