The last European competition of the year ended on a triumphant note for French baseball5. Four years after their first continental championship, the French have reached new heights, winning a second title of Champions of Europe after an amazing run.
Baseball5, an urban, mixed and ultra-dynamic discipline, has not yet blown out its tenth candle, but it has already offered some great moments to French sport. Defeated during the previous edition by Lithuania, a nation that has made this fast-paced sport a real specialty, the French were thirsting for revenge. And fate smiled upon them!
This time, the Lithuanians faced a solid Spanish team in the semi-finals, losing in three sets. The way was clear for an explosive final between France and Spain.
The players of Lahcène Benhamida did not falter. In complete control, concentrated and victorious, they played their game to win with authority. Not one set was conceded out of seven matches: a perfect course, a major flawless performance.
Under the spotlight, the heroes of this triumph: Flavien Hasslauer, Omar Diodene Pacheco, Lucas Dedieu, Ambre Brouard, Lila d’Hauteville, Nathan Crégut, Jade Aubard Cojan and Léna Sellam. Together, they perfectly embody the spirit of baseball5: mixity, energy and cohesion.
France can now savor this brilliant victory and look towards the future with ambition. On to the 2026 World Championships, where this united and inspired team will aim for new achievements.
The captain Omar Diodène shares his feelings with us:
« Our team was a bit in front of construction, we managed to weld the group especially during the first day of competition. Then the level increased a lot from the play off. Each of my teammates is different and have a distinct way of being on the field and on the bench, but we managed to find harmony when it was necessary. It is a great joy to lift the cup again. »
Stephen Lesfargues, the national technical director who acts as a coach to the manager Benhamida also shares his impressions:
« I want to first say that the French baseball5 team has achieved a feat by winning its second title of European champion by conceding no sets to our opponents. The players have demonstrated exceptional determination and talent during the semi-final and the final, where we faced Turkey and Spain, illustrating our collective strength and cohesion. »
From the beginning of the tournament, the team had shown strong play, winning all of their games. I stress this, but every member contributed to this collective success, showing unwavering commitment. This title goes beyond a simple victory; it embodies the work and preparation of the players, players and staff.
This victory sends a strong message to other nations as well: the team is ready to assert itself and return to the world stage. With this success, it also earns its ticket for the Baseball5 World Cup scheduled next year, a goal that motivates the players even more to surpass themselves in the coming months.
I would like to offer a special thanks to the players and players present in Lithuania for the superb performance and the first continental title for some of our athletes, with a special thought to our captain Omar. I also do not forget those who are training to join the French team. The development of baseball5 must continue, with the ambition to play with passion everywhere in France.
Finally, a big thank you to the elected officials, coaches, club managers, parents, friends and enthusiasts who supported the team throughout the tournament, with a special mention for Simon who will recognize himself.
The team is determined to defend its colors and aim for new successes. Congratulations to everyone for the title of European champion, and see you at the World Cup in 2026!
Photo credit: Glenn Gervot
