French defender Maxence Lacroix treats hometown villagers to pizza for World Cup matches
French national team and Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix, 26, arranged to provide free pizzas to residents of his childhood village, Ajat (Dordogne, ~300 inhabitants), for every France match during the 2026 World Cup. The gesture, coordinated through his mother and the mayor, involves communal screenings in the village hall. About 100 locals gathered for France's opening group stage win over Senegal. Lacroix’s strong ties to his rural hometown highlight his generosity and community pride during his first World Cup appearance.
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French Defender Lacroix Treats Hometown Village to Pizza for World Cup Debut
French defender Maxence Lacroix, making his World Cup debut for France in a 4-1 group stage win over Norway, fulfilled a promise to treat his hometown village of Aja (approx. 300 residents) in Périgord to pizza. The entire village gathered in the village hall to watch the match, with baker Philippe Herbreteau preparing 35 specialty pizzas. Lacroix's mother, a village councilor and doctor, flew to the US for the tournament. His grandparents attended, praising his character. The event was organized by the village chief to send positive energy from across the Atlantic, with screenings limited to villagers per broadcast conditions. Lacroix, who started his career at local clubs before moving to Wolfsburg and Crystal Palace, is reportedly set to sign with Chelsea.
虎扑 - 足球Maxence Lacroix Treats Childhood Village to Pizza Party for 2026 World Cup
Ahead of France's opening 2026 World Cup match against Senegal, French national team defender Maxence Lacroix, a native of Ajat in Dordogne, arranged to provide pizzas for residents of his childhood village for every France match during the tournament. The gesture was coordinated through his mother, after Lacroix learned that a giant screen had been set up in the village hall for communal viewing. Mayor Didier Clerjoux praised the player's generosity and ongoing connection to the commune, noting that around a hundred locals are expected to gather to cheer on the defender during his first World Cup appearance with Les Bleus. The story highlights the athlete's strong ties to his rural hometown.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot Transfert2026 World Cup: Maxence Lacroix to Offer Pizzas to Ajat Residents During France Matches
Maxence Lacroix, defender for the French national team, has promised to offer pizzas to residents of his childhood village of Ajat in Dordogne (population 350) for all France matches at the 2026 World Cup. The matches will be screened on a giant screen in the village hall, starting with France's opening game against Senegal at MetLife Stadium. Mayor Didier Clerjoux confirmed the gesture, noting Lacroix's strong attachment to the commune. Lacroix, 26, has had a rapid rise, earning his first national team call-up in March after a strong season with Crystal Palace, winning the Conference League, and earning his first cap against Brazil. He also wore his first club's jersey for the team's group photo.
Home Football - actualitésFrench Defender Lacroix to Provide Free Pizza for Hometown Villagers During World Cup Group Stage
French national team defender Maxence Lacroix, making his first World Cup appearance, has arranged to provide free pizza for residents of his hometown, Ayat, a small village of 300 people in the Dordogne department. The Crystal Palace player proposed the idea to his mother after learning the village council would set up a big screen in the village hall to broadcast France's group stage matches, starting with the match against Senegal. Local officials and villagers expressed pride in Lacroix, highlighting his strong sense of community. About 100 residents are expected to gather on Tuesday to watch the game, with a projector and canvas set up in the hall.
虎扑 - 足球Maxence Lacroix to treat Ajat villagers to pizzas during World Cup match
French national team defender Maxence Lacroix, who grew up in the small commune of Ajat (Dordogne, 300 inhabitants), will offer pizzas to residents watching the 2026 World Cup match against Senegal on Tuesday evening. The village is broadcasting the game in the community hall. Lacroix's mother arranged the gesture with the mayor, reflecting his strong attachment to the commune. Born in Villeneuve-Saint-Georges, the 26-year-old debutant for Les Bleus is not expected to start the match, but the village will cheer for him.
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