The world reacts to French star's season-ending injury

NEWS: The injury to French star captain and scrumhalf Antoine Dupont has caused reaction from supporters far beyond the rugby world.

The day after the match, the French captain officially announced his cruciate ligament rupture on his social media accounts, acknowledging his long absence.

Following this announcement, he quickly started receiving many messages of support, both from athletes and public figures.

At the time of publication, his post had reached 2000 comments, 4400 reposts and 39,000 likes.

“Courage and come back stronger,” commented prop Cyril Baille.

Romain Ntamack, who also experienced a similar misfortune just before the 2023 World Cup, published a photo with the message: “Courage my friend, all with you”.

Many of Dupont’s teammates paid tribute to the No. 9.

Paul Graou (“courage my brother”), Jack Willis, Joe Tekori, Juan Cruz Mallía, David Ainuu, Blair Kinghorn, including his former teammate Melvyn Jaminet, who commented with a heart under Dupont’s post.

The French captain’s popularity stretches far beyond the borders of rugby.

Le coeur est encore plus douloureux que le genou au moment de devoir abandonner les copains avant la dernière marche. Je suis fier de ce que nous avons accompli hier et de toutes mes forces avec vous, vous allez le faire.
Rupture des ligaments croisés. C’est le début d’un nouveau… pic.twitter.com/shQK4PSLsk

— 𝗔𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗗𝗨𝗣𝗢𝗡𝗧 (@Dupont9A) March 9, 2025

Tennis player Hugo Gaston reacted with this message: “Big strength to you captain”, while former Paris Saint-Germain footballer Marco Verratti posted a “heart”.

“Courage and strength,” said former France handball goalkeeper Thierry Omeyer.

The 2018 world champion Samuel Umtiti also had a thought for the rugby player:”Courage to you”.

“Strength and courage champion! We’re all with you,” wrote F1 driver Pierre Gasly.

His friend, rapper Oli, also sent a message of support to the Olympic champion: “You will come back stronger”, promised BigFlo’s brother.

Many other public figures responded, such as actor-director Artus, who encouraged Dupont for the long road to recovery awaiting him.

“Courage soldier, lots of good vibes for your rehabilitation, we are all with you”, wrote singer Matt Pokora, while the comedian Paul de Saint Sernin declares bluntly: “We love you”

Finally, William Servat, assistant coach of the French team, published a photo of his player accompanied by this caption: “Proud of this team. Strong thoughts for Antoine Dupont.”