Jean Patry received a hero’s welcome from Filipino fans on Sunday night, capping off a triumphant opening-day performance as France swept South Korea to begin its 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship campaign at the SMART Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
Patry, who powered Les Bleus with a game-high 16 points, ended the evening with more than just a victory.
After the match, a Filipino fan handed him a small gift bag containing a pillow with his face, a miniature portrait, and a Labubu doll dressed in France’s colors — a gesture that left the 28-year-old spiker beaming.
“It’s my third time here in the Philippines and the fans are always crazy,” said Patry, no stranger to Philippine hospitality after competing in the 2022 and 2024 VNL stops in Manila.
“They like our team, they follow us, and they give us energy, so I’m very happy to play here.”
(C) Volleyball World
The raucous Filipino crowd has often rallied behind France in its Manila appearances, and Patry believes that energy could fuel Les Bleus’ quest for a long-sought world title.
Despite back-to-back Olympic golds and dominance on the world stage, France has yet to capture a World Championship crown — their best finish being a bronze in 2002.
But with stars like two-time Olympic MVP Earvin N’Gapeth, veteran setter Benjamin Toniutti, Antoine Brizard, and outside hitter Trevor Clevenot, Patry is confident that France has the firepower to reach the summit.
“We have confidence, we know what we can do, but it will be hard,” he admitted, mindful of potential clashes with volleyball powerhouses Poland, Italy, Japan, and Belgium in the knockout rounds.
“For us, it’s about keeping good energy, having fun, and not thinking too much about the pressure. That’s the most important thing if we want to achieve the goal.”
For now, though, Patry will remember more than just the straight-sets win over South Korea — he will remember once again being embraced by Filipino fans, who have made France feel right at home in Manila.
#WATCH: Jean Patry shows off a fan’s gift bag — complete with a pillow of his face, a portrait, and a Labubu in France colors 🇫🇷🏐
📹 @ernesttuazon /Tiebreaker Times#MWCH2025 pic.twitter.com/s0sc9kdgHG
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) September 14, 2025
