Eyes will surely be moist as they leave the room. Even though Benjamin Bourigeaud’s departure had been expected for several weeks, the official announcement on August 30 left a big void among Rennes supporters. A void and a disappointment often reinforced by the chosen destination: Qatar.
But despite this choice to continue his career, Benjamin Bourigeaud remains without a doubt one of the greatest players in the history of Stade Rennais. With 311 matches played for 66 goals and 63 assists, the number 14 symbolises better than anyone the last prosperous years of the Breton club marked by six consecutive European campaigns in the Europa League, Europa Conference League, Champions League and of course the victory in the Coupe de France in 2019.
40 minutes to his glory
“Once his departure was confirmed, we initially thought of a somewhat conventional interview, but we quickly decided that it was worth more,” says Antoine Biard, communications director at Stade Rennais. “We are talking about an emblematic player who deserved a tribute.” So it will be this 40-minute documentary entitled Bourige: a Red and Black imprint.
“It’s a stroll with him, a conversation where he talks about his memories with emotion and a lot of naturalness,” describes Antoine Biard. Shot in 2h30 with a single camera, the film is intended to be simple. “We were in a bit of a hurry but we also wanted a very authentic and raw doc. It is certainly imperfect but it is made with the heart.” This is not the first time that Stade Rennais has invited itself to the cinema. In 2019, the film “Tu ne seras jamais seul” followed the Rennes supporters of the Roahzon Celtic Kop and in 2021, “Au fer rouge” celebrated the club’s 120th anniversary.
In Bourige: a Red and Black imprintwe first find Bourigeaud emptying his locker at the Piverdière training center, reading a letter from a young supporter asking him to stay, he being “the best player in the world ahead of Mbappé and Haaland”. Then we head to Roazhon Park. Sitting behind the lectern in the press conference room, Bourigeaud remembers the day he signed in 2017 and the first tears well up. Sincere.
“Time passes, memories remain,” he said before stopping. “All the emotions come back. It’s hard because it’s the end of a beautiful adventure.”
In the Rennes dressing room, the midfielder continues to recount his memories, marked by the enthusiasm around the club which has increased tenfold since his arrival with supporters proud to wear their jerseys at home as well as during European away games. He particularly remembers the pre-match of Rennes-Arsenal in March 2019 where several thousand people had queued and even camped out all night to get a place.
“I’m leaving with a beautiful image”
Then on the Roazhon Park pitch, accompanied by one of his 7-year-old sons and a face well known like his father to Rennes fans, Bourigeaud replays one of his iconic goals: his half-volley against this same Arsenal in the Europa League round of 16 first leg. The tears come back again as he finally thinks back to the last ovation at Roazhon Park for his last match during Rennes-Lyon on 18 August.
“I know what I’m leaving,” he says, without regretting his choice.
“It’s not an easy decision but it is clear and well thought out. The desire to discover something else, another championship, another culture as well as a family one,” he explains, before concluding: “I gave everything I had to give here. I’m leaving with a great image.” Seven screenings are scheduled at 7 p.m. at the Arvor cinema in Rennes from this Wednesday until September 10.
- RMC Sport
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