For days the Zinedine Zidane rumor had been buzzing. Originally from Marseille, the hero of the 1998 World Cup won by the Blues was expected to be the third and last torchbearer on French soil, this Wednesday, after the arrival in the Old Port of Belem, which carried the flame Olympic Games for 12 days from Greece.
But the suspense was complete when Florent Manaudou, first torchbearer on French soil, passed the torch to Nantenin Keita, Paralympic athlete, before the torch was taken in hand by a third mystery torchbearer.
Finally, hidden under a white hood, it is finally the Marseille star rapper Jul (34 years old), interpreter of Chiquita Or Organized band, who lit the first “cauldron” of the torch relay, which will ignite every evening in each of the host cities.
“I’m very proud to do this tonight,” said Jul. Thank you very much for thinking of me for this, I am very proud for France and for Marseille! It’s a lot of hope for young people, I wish all these athletes bronze, silver, gold and… platinum medals! »
Follow live commentary on the arrival in France of the Olympic flame in Marseille on the Parisian website.
