French sports journalist Didier Roustan had a marvelous life as the commentator and presenter of multiple French football channels. Still, an absence of épouse or a partner remained until his life until Didier Roustan took his last breath at the age of 66.
Born in Brazzaville, French Equatorial Africa, Didier Roustan has been influenced by sports and media since early childhood. His mother, Martinique, worked for the Agence France-Presse, while his father worked at the International Monetary Fund.
Due to financial problems, his family moved to Cannes, France, where he completed most of his higher studies and entered the professional field. Initially, Roustan played for the youth football club at AS Cannes.
Moreover, at age 18, he joined TF1 for a three-month internship. Luckily, a fortunate turn of events left him in the position for more than thirteen years, as he was promoted through several positions.
DIDIER ROUSTAN EST DÉCÉDÉ 😳
— Les Boxeurs Du Dimanche (@LesBoxeursduD) September 11, 2024
À la suite de maladie contre laquelle il luttait pendant plusieurs semaines … 😔
Il avait 66 ans …
Pensées à ses proches et ses collaborateurs de @lequipe 🙌🏼 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/NTPtFHvnpn
Later, in 1979, Roustan became the youngest Frenchman to comment on a French senior match when he remarked on a match between France and Sweden, which opened up an opportunity to be a presenter at Telefoot.
Following his success, the commentator joined Canal+, France 2, and Ligue 1, where he analyzed several French games while also providing viewers with game stats and betting programs.
Additionally, Roustan worked as a radio commentator for RTL for many years before leaving the position to join L’Equipe as their senior sports channel presenter. He took inspiration from fellow personalities like Jean Raynal.
Despite his popularity, Didier Roustan managed to keep his life under wraps, including details about his potential épouse, as he appeared single at the time of his demise.
According to sources, Didier Roustan battled with a severe illness for several years before his departure!
The news of his departure came suddenly as his colleagues at L’Equip mentioned that Roustan passed away during the night from Tuesday to Wednesday. He had a history of several health conditions and frequent hospital visits.
Previously, after creating the International Association of Professional Footballers in 1995 with the help of Eric Cantona and Diego Maradona, Roustan fell into depression due to pressure from his work life.
Despite his vision of the organization to change the French football environment, the association dissolved a few years after its establishment. Talking about his failure, Roustan claimed that the shareholders had complete control of the company, leading to its collapse.
Quelle tristesse d'apprendre le décès de @DidierRoustan ! J’appréciais énormément ses interventions dans @lequipedusoir. Mes sincères condoléances et pensées vont à sa famille et à ses collègues journalistes, avec beaucoup de force et de courage à tous ceux qui l’ont connu. pic.twitter.com/JDYU48PsL0
— Jean Aimé MOUKETOU (@JeanAimMOUKETOU) September 11, 2024
Regardless, the reporter didn’t let such obstacles hold him back as he created the Foot Citoyen social project. Later, he ran a blog and weekly sports podcast called Roustan Foot, which had thousands of subscribers.
Since June 2024, viewers noticed Roustan’s absence from the L’Equipe set, which raised questions about his well-being. During one of his final appearances, he revealed that he wasn’t doing well, mostly due to food poisoning.
Unfortunately, medical reports later revealed that Roustan’s liver had been taking damage for several years, shortening his life span. The condition continued to develop at a surprising rate, ultimately claiming his life due to liver cancer.
His death has left a mark on sports and journalism as he was one of the first people to create the first global footballer’s union.
His colleagues responded to the news with emotional tributes on Twitter, “A passionate Cannes resident, attached to the red and white, he loved football, above all the beautiful game and the beautiful stories. He had invented a new television language around the round ball.“
Additional Information
- In 2015, the Sports Writer Association awarded Didier Roustan a lifetime achievement award for his contribution to journalism and sports.
- After his demise, many have described Didier Roustan as an encouraging, hardcore soul who never backed down from obstacles.
- Roustan’s final commentary match was between Argentina and Canada during the 2024 Copa America semifinals.
