EDF – France National Team Coach Freddy Fauthoux on Antoine Dupont: “Just Like Wembanyama”

Appointed as the head coach of the French national basketball team following the Paris Olympic Games, Freddy Fauthoux will be able to count on Victor Wembanyama during his tenure. In a recent interview with Canal+, he even compared the young star… to Antoine Dupont.

Freddy Fauthoux Takes Over the French National Team

Succeeding a legend like Vincent Collet is a monumental challenge, but it’s one that Freddy Fauthoux is determined to take on. The former player and coach has agreed to lead the French national team, inheriting a squad fresh off a well-earned silver medal at the Paris Olympic Games. Now, his task is to help the team take the next step, and he plans to do so with Victor Wembanyama as a key figure in his plans.

Fauthoux Compares Wembanyama to Antoine Dupont

Though he has not yet had the chance to coach Wembanyama in the national team setup, it’s clear that Fauthoux considers him one of the pillars of his future strategy. There’s little doubt that Wembanyama will be France’s go-to option at the 2028 Olympic Games, where the team will undoubtedly aim for gold.

For now, however, Fauthoux took a moment to praise another Olympic champion in an interview with Canal+—none other than Antoine Dupont:

Freddy Fauthoux: “When I see him competing in the Olympic Games to win a gold medal in rugby sevens, even though he could have just focused on his career in 15-a-side rugby, knowing that he was already the best player in the world… That shows how passionate he is about his sport and his desire to experience everything.”

Antoine Dupont’s recent journey to rugby sevens Olympic gold is certainly admirable, as is his relentless pursuit of trophies.

The Parallels Between Dupont and Wembanyama

In Fauthoux’s eyes, the passion and work ethic that drive the talented scrum-half are similar to the qualities that define Wembanyama:

Freddy Fauthoux: “In that sense, he’s just like Victor. Victor is also a passionate competitor who leaves no room for approximation. He pays attention to every little detail.”

Both ultimate competitors, the two French stars have made their country proud and helped enhance its reputation on the global stage. Their image and charisma, Fauthoux noted, are also remarkably polished, something that continues to impress him:

Freddy Fauthoux: “When you see how they are put in the spotlight, how they are expected to represent their sport worldwide, you realize that it’s almost second nature to them. Being in front of cameras, speaking to crowds, attending events where they might not have initially felt at home… They’re comfortable everywhere, yet they remain true to themselves while being global superstars.”

Now, the hope is that Wembanyama will follow in Dupont’s footsteps over the next three years and bring home an Olympic gold medal for France.

A Coach with a Rugby Background

Originally from Les Landes, Freddy Fauthoux comes from a region deeply rooted in rugby culture. Having closely followed Antoine Dupont’s exploits at the Paris Olympics, he recognizes in him the traits of truly great athletes—traits that Victor Wembanyama also possesses.