And from France in particular, the right-back of the “roosters” team, Leo Dubois, appeared to proudly announce his Lebaneseness through a touching story suitable for filming a movie, as Jean-Pierre, the father of the Lyon captain, was born in Lebanon in the late 1960s, and was adopted by a French family when he was not yet aged. For more than 13 months, the family later informed him of his origins, so he passed on his innate love for Lebanon to his son, who turned into one of France’s most prominent players, and imbibed from his father, sticking to his origins and his “mother country” despite Jean-Pierre’s failure to get to know his biological parents.
An undoubtedly touching story that Leo Dubois tells every time he is asked regarding the secret of his attachment to Lebanon, and he touched on more remarkable points in an interview with Al-Akhbar.
(Sarkis Yersian)
Despite your preoccupation with your professional career and your matches with your team Lyon and the French national team, why did you decide to visit Lebanon?
Lebanon, simply because I am of Lebanese descent on my father’s side, who was born in 1968 and later adopted by a French family. I found it beautiful to go back to my roots and this is what I am doing during my visit to Lebanon.
After the Beirut port explosion, it moved quickly to help Lebanon. Tell us regarding it.
It was an event that had an impact on me, and I found it necessary to move practically through a large process that creates a feeling for people, especially in my surroundings, to come and help, and I did feel positive reactions at that time.
At what age did you know that you are Lebanese?
From the beginning of my childhood I knew my origins. I am French, and I learned through a French school system, but we always talked regarding Lebanon and met many Lebanese in France and in my community, where we share the same values and the same life circumstances. It is very important for me to come here.
What do you think when the media mention your name among the many international stars who have played for major international teams and are of Lebanese origin?
I’m proud. Currently, I am French and wear the colors of the French national team, and I am also proud of my origins, which I confirm by coming here, hoping that it will be the beginning of a long and beautiful adventure.
Have you ever watched a match for the Lebanese national team?
I didn’t get the chance to watch the Lebanese national team, but since I arrived I’ve been hearing talk regarding him, so next time I’ll watch a match for the national team.
I made a gesture towards a group of players in a Lebanese academy by distributing shoes to them. What can you tell us regarding this initiative?
It is an important matter. After the explosion in Beirut, I wanted to support one of the academies and their youth. Today, in this project that we are working on, we stress the importance of youth and education, and they are the ones who came for this Olympic day, and my presence here is only within this direction and of course to be present by presenting any support for the country.
Do you have any plan in mind to help Lebanese football in the future?
We will think regarding this. As I said, today is the beginning to discover the atmosphere and the status of football in Lebanon. We will think of projects to keep the game in this country in a strong position because it is an important and emotional issue.
What is your first impression when seeing all these young volunteers working so hard to help France in the 2024 Summer Olympics?
It is a great honor to see all these young people who are ready and committed to this work. We are waiting for a big event in 2024, and we will do everything we can to help the Lebanese youth with pleasure. There are two years left until the Olympics in Paris and to prepare what it takes to reach the goals.
What was your first impression when you visited some Lebanese cities and regions?
A lot of feelings came to me when I arrived in Lebanon, as it was my first visit. I have visited some areas and cities such as the historical city of Byblos and the Cedars. Lebanon has its own peculiarity and it was important for me to get to know it, and I am very happy regarding that.
What word would you like to say to football fans in Lebanon?
Keep hope, keep football in the center of your interests, because it is a game full of emotions and contributes to the improvement of society, and I hope you keep enjoying every moment of it.
