Volleyball: Two Var internationals honored by Emmanuel Macron at the Elysée

Among them, two Varois, crowned consecutively at the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2021 and those of Paris in 2024.

"I want to express the gratitude of the entire nation for what you have done," Emmanuel Macron thanked. "Because I realize how much, sometimes in a few seconds of a match, the entire commitment of a lifetime of sports is at stake, yours and that of your federation, your clubs, and very often your families, the parents who accompanied you without counting their time in matches across the country and sometimes beyond."

Saint-Raphaël native Earvin Ngapeth received the Legion of Honor.

"You are a bit of the enfant terrible of the team, but also terribly gifted," said the Head of State. "At the Tokyo Olympics, you won France its first Olympic title, and even its first medal. You scored 26 points, including 21 in attack. For this performance and the finesse of your game, decisive in the final, you were named best player of the Olympic tournament. You have a demonstrative, inventive game. With your "special," the reverse smash, back to the net, formidable; the one that allowed you to win the final of the 2015 European Championship and which has since given you your unique place within the Team. You are part of this generation with the two Olympic victories."

Nicolas Le Goff, who grew up in Sanary and trained at Toulon-Six Fours, was elevated to the rank of officer of the National Order of Merit.

"You also carried this Olympic double on your shoulders, dominating the net, assuring your teammates of your consistency, and letting nothing slip through your fingers," recalled the President of the Republic. "We will not forget that semi-final against Italy, where your counterattack was merciless."

The Blues, whose squad has not yet been announced, will take part in the third stage of the Nations League next week in Gdansk, Poland.

Earvin Ngapeth will be spared. He is suffering from knee tendinopathy and will be going to Capbreton for treatment.