The 2026 Champion’s Cup Rekupo brought together 34 teams at the Allianz Riviera for two days of amateur football combining competition, sharing and environmental awareness. The event, which has become a national reference, offered young people a memorable experience in a professional setting alongside former champions.
For two days, the Allianz Riviera transformed into a true capital of youth football on the occasion of the finals of the 16th edition of the Champion’s Cup Rekupo. More than just a competition, the event once again confirmed its ambition: to offer young players a unique experience combining sport, education, sharing and environmental awareness.
Bringing together 34 teams from across France in the U9 boys, U11 boys and U13 girls categories, this 2026 edition offered a particularly high level of play. The best amateur teams in the country competed alongside invited professional clubs such as Olympique de Marseille, OGC Nice and Montpellier Hérault SC, the defending champions in U11.
In the stands and around the fields, families, educators and former professional players participated in a great popular celebration of amateur football. Young participants were also able to meet with several former figures of French football present during the event, including Jean-Christophe Marquet, Fabien Laurenti, Steeve Elana, Joris Marveaux, Patrick Barul, Mickaël Marsiglia, Martial Robin and Olivier Dacourt.
Champion’s Cup Rekupo: a unique experience for young players
For many children, playing at the Allianz Riviera will remain a memorable experience. Alexandre Mendy, present to support his son, highlighted the impact of such an event: “My son was happy because it’s a professional stadium. He will probably have the chance to come back next year. The Champion’s Cup Rekupo is a great experience for children.”
Same emotion from Martial Robin, former professional player: “In our time, we didn’t have the chance to compete against the best in France, both amateur and professional. Setting foot on a pitch like Nice’s is not given to everyone. You have to realize the chance they have.”
The event also allowed many young people from across France and overseas territories to experience a strong human adventure. Jocelyne Bazabas, vice-president of the Martinique Football League and manager of La Samaritaine, perfectly summarized this dimension: “our children experienced an extraordinary experience. Coming to the Allianz Riviera, at a professional club, is a dream for our young Martinicans. Beyond football, they lived an incredible human adventure.”
At the end of the finals:
- Burel FC won the U9 boys category,
- FC Vendenheim won the U13 girls category,
- and Olympique de Marseille claimed the U11 boys trophy.
The competition also rewarded human values with the awarding of the fair-play medal to the team from La Samaritaine de Martinique, praised for their exemplary behavior throughout the tournament. Having come specially from the Caribbean with a delegation of young girls and boys, the Martinique team impressed people as much with their spirit as with their enthusiasm.
A competition committed to the environment
Beyond the sporting aspect, the Champion’s Cup Rekupo continues its environmental commitment, which has become one of the major pillars of the event. Thanks to the partnership with EcoDDS, an eco-citizen village was set up near the fields to raise awareness among young players, families and spectators about the challenges of sorting and recycling chemical waste.
Through educational workshops, activities and exchanges, children were introduced to good environmental practices in a fun and accessible atmosphere. DIY products, paints, solvents, maintenance waste and specific equipment: the Rekupo EcoDDS village aimed to show the importance of sorting and recycling everyday waste.
For Jean-Christophe Marquet, founder of the competition, this educational dimension has become essential: “we are very happy to see how much the environmental dimension of the event fascinates children and their families. The Rekupo village has become a must-see and a highlight of the competition. We want to pass on values that go beyond football.”
For several years, the Champion’s Cup Rekupo has sought to combine sporting performance and civic responsibility. A way to raise awareness among new generations while promoting amateur football in a premium environment.
A competition that has become a national reference
Created in Marseille in 2010 by Jean-Christophe Marquet, the Champion’s Cup Rekupo has become in sixteen years one of the largest gatherings of young footballers in France. Starting with 60 regional clubs at its inception, it now brings together nearly 650 clubs and more than 6,500 young players across France.
The competition also continues to play an important role in the emergence of young talents. Several players who have come through the Champion’s Cup Rekupo now compete at the highest level, such as Wesley Fofana, Mohamed Simakan and Axel Tape.
With its unique blend of football, mentorship, sharing and environmental commitment, the Champion’s Cup Rekupo confirms more than ever its special place in the landscape of youth football in France.
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