The kickoff of the 16th edition of the Champion’s Cup Rekupo was given at the National Sports Museum in the City of Nice. The competition will once again bring together thousands of young footballers from across France. A new feature of this edition is the inclusion of the French overseas departments and territories. The finals will take place in May at the Allianz Riviera.
The kickoff of the 16th edition of the Champion’s Cup Rekupo will officially be given on January 17 in Fort-de-France, Martinique. The competition organizers presented the details of this new edition at the National Sports Museum in Nice. The city will also host, at the Allianz Riviera, the grand finals of the competition on May 19 and 20. This will be the third consecutive year of the event’s organization. OGC Nice, Olympique de Marseille, and Montpellier will be present at the U11 final.
This championship has been held annually since 2010. The competition is aimed at young football players from all over France. Three categories are highlighted. Boys U9 are included. Boys U11 are also engaged. The U13 girls complete the sports setup.
Once again this year, the Champion’s Cup Rekupo will bring together 650 clubs. Nearly 7,000 children will participate in the event. Registration and uniforms are once again provided by 11teamsports. This coverage is available for all the involved clubs. The format remains identical to previous editions in terms of sports structure.
A first step in Martinique
A major new development marks this 16th edition. The competition is opening up to the French overseas departments and territories. The first of the nine regional stages will take place on January 17 in Martinique, in Fort-de-France. This stage will kick off the national journey of the Champion’s Cup Rekupo for the year 2026. The other eight stages will take place in mainland France between February and April 2026.
True to its DNA, the Champion’s Cup Rekupo continues its commitment to cover the entire territory. Each year, new cities are involved. New clubs are also joining the competition. This organization aims to make the event accessible to the greatest number of children. This logic of openness is in line with previous editions.
Launched 15 years ago now by former Olympique de Marseille player Jean-Christophe Marquet, this tournament aims to bring together the future hopes of French football in a friendly and sporting atmosphere. The founder of the Champion’s Cup Rekupo spoke at the launch. “Launching this 16th edition at the National Sports Museum in Nice, an emblematic location of French sport embodying the outreach and values of our competition, carries a highly symbolic dimension for the Champion’s Cup Rekupo.” Jean-Christophe Marquet also mentioned the new overseas stage. “In 2026, we will begin our great journey of nine regional stages with a visit to Martinique. A first in the French overseas departments and territories, closer to the children we wanted to associate with a project that grows every year, with more and more clubs eager to participate.”
A sports and eco-citizen project
The Champion’s Cup Rekupo is presented as the largest eco-citizen sporting event in France. The competition will continue to educate and raise awareness among clubs and young participants about ecological issues. Waste sorting is part of the focus areas. This commitment is done with the support of the premium partner EcoDDS.
An immersive village of 150 square meters will be set up at the various stages. Fun activities will be offered to children. Several environmental themes will be addressed. A quiz designed by the Football Foundation will allow them to earn an additional point for the competition. This educational dimension has been an integral part of the project for several years.
Jean-Christophe Marquet specified this ambition. “To meet this enthusiasm, we deploy a lot of strength, energy, and ideas to best accompany this youth on the fields, but also with the ambition and support of EcoDDS, to make them the citizens of tomorrow.”
The guest of honor at this launch, Eric Di Meco, was present. The former Olympique de Marseille player has known the project since its inception. “I was alongside Jean-Christophe Marquet over twenty years ago, when he imagined creating a great competition for youth, allowing them to play in large stadiums entering with the music of the Champions League.” Eric Di Meco also highlighted the evolution of the tournament. “Today, he can be proud to have built, with his partners and a committed team of former professional players (Fabien Laurenti, Steeve Elana, Martial Robin, Patrick Barul, Mickael Marsiglia), a major project around football, intended for thousands of young male and female players, while conveying fundamental messages of respect, inclusion, sociability, and ecological awareness.”
The finals of this 16th edition of the Champion’s Cup Rekupo will take place at the Allianz Riviera on May 19 and 20. The categories U9, U11, and U13 girls will be highlighted.
