French Football's Top 3 April Fools' Pranks

On April 1, Montpellier’s coach Rolland Courbis called the club president to announce a fake resignation, sparking shock before revealing it was a joke. In 2021, Chamois Niortais announced the arrival of pop star Patrick Bruel as sporting director, a prank that left fans laughing. The following year, US Reventin posted that former national team coach Raymond Domenech had joined their third team in the district leagues, another tongue‑in‑cheek stunt.

All three pranks were shared widely on social media, showcasing the playful spirit that pervades French football culture on April Fools’ Day.