The Champion’s Cup Rekupo 2026 brought together 34 teams at the Allianz Riviera for two days of amateur football combining competition, sharing and ecological 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 was transformed into a true capital of youth football for 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 professional clubs invited such as Olympique de Marseille, OGC Nice and Montpellier Hérault SC, defending champions in U11.
In the stands and around the pitches, 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 memory. Alexandre Mendy, present to accompany his son, highlighted the impact of such an event: “My son was happy because it’s a professional stadium. He’ll probably have the chance to come back next year. The Champion’s Cup Rekupo is a great experience for children.”
The 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. To play on a pitch like Nice’s, not everyone gets that opportunity. You have to realize how lucky they are.”
The event also allowed many young people from across France and overseas territories to experience a powerful human adventure. Jocelyne Bazabas, vice-president of the Martinique Football League and manager of La Samaritaine, perfectly summed up this aspect: “our children experienced an extraordinary experience. Coming to the Allianz Riviera, to a professional club, is a dream for our young people from Martinique. Beyond football, they experienced 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 won the U11 boys trophy.
The competition also rewarded human values with the presentation of the fair-play medal to the La Samaritaine de Martinique team, praised for its exemplary behavior throughout the tournament. Having come especially from the Caribbean with a delegation of young girls and boys, the Martinique team impressed as much through its spirit as through its enthusiasm.
A competition committed to the environment
Beyond the sporting aspect, the Champion’s Cup Rekupo continues its ecological commitment, which has become one of the major pillars of the event. Thanks to a partnership with EcoDDS, an eco-citizen village was set up near the pitches to raise awareness among young players, families and spectators about waste sorting and recycling issues for chemical products.
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 special equipment: the Rekupo EcoDDS village aimed to show the importance of sorting and valorizing everyday waste.
For Jean-Christophe Marquet, founder of the competition, this educational dimension has become essential: “we are very pleased to see how much the ecological dimension of the event captivates children and their families. The Rekupo village has become a must-visit 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 thus 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 from 60 regional clubs at its inception, it now brings together nearly 650 clubs and over 6,500 young players throughout France.
The competition also continues to play an important role in the emergence of young talent. Several players who passed 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, transmission, sharing and ecological commitment, the Champion’s Cup Rekupo more than ever confirms its special place in the landscape of French youth football.
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