Celebrating the Voices of Nice Football Club
Nice – Lille
Ah, Nice! A place known for its glitzy beaches, world-class cuisine, and now, apparently, an occasion to celebrate the people who talk a lot during football matches. Yes, it’s the club’s 120th anniversary, and who better to focus on than those heroes behind the microphone? They’re not just any voices; they’re the “Voices of the Gym.” And no, we’re not talking about the kind of gym where you sweat over dumbbells. This is the gym of emotions—where every shout, every cheer, and every commercial break makes or breaks the atmosphere of a match!
This Sunday is set to be a real page-turner! The artist Coun has created a dazzling comic book-style poster. I mean, who doesn’t want to turn their football experience into a Marvel comic? Because nothing screams ‘epic’ quite like a bunch of commentators immortalized as superheroes! You’ll have supporters, speakers, TV and radio commentators gracing this splendid portrayal. Finally, a poster where the real heroes are the ones that can scream louder than the crowd—talk about a superpower!
Festivities will kick off at 1 p.m. on Cours 1904. Brace yourselves for a cavalcade of nostalgia as former speakers such as Fabrice Mauro, and Michel Giomi, take center stage. Mauro has been at it since 2014… The man has a voice like a saxophone covered in honey, only slightly more enthusiastic! Meanwhile, Giomi—an absolute legend—has been doing his thing since the late ’90s. By the way, just to clarify, ‘der’ in “the der’ in 2013” refers to his final match, not an unexpected re-debut we all didn’t see coming. Spoiler alert: there are no 90s throwbacks planned—sorry, no slap bracelets!
These legends will then gather on the hallowed turf of the Allianz Riviera’s central circle to bask in the adoration of the Nice public. That’s right, folks: it’s the only place you’ll find a gaggle of old men being cheered for having yelled “GOAAAL!” for fifteen years. And as if that isn’t enough, they’ll even get a special poster from Virginie Rossetti because nothing says “Thank you” quite like complimentary artwork!
The Mèfi Club in Unison
But wait, it gets better! Before the main event, the decibels will go up a notch with a “best pichoun speaker” competition. Never heard of it? Well, join the club…because I have no idea what a ‘pichoun’ is either, but it sounds adorable! Imagine tiny commentators running around, trying to shout over each other like a bunch of mini-Argentinos at a World Cup final. Oh, to be a judge there—all the power, none of the wisdom, and a headache waiting to happen!
PODCAST
And for your auditory pleasure, be sure to check out the fifth episode of the podcast dedicated to “transmitters” of emotion on Aiglons matches. Now that sounds riveting! It’s like TED Talks for people who prefer to shout rather than read. Imagine all the gossip behind the microphone. “And what’s your view on that last match, Barry?” “Well, Jill, I believe it was absolute rubbish, but the chicken burger in the press box made it all worthwhile!”
In summary, this celebration promises to be a fantastic homage to every individual who has screamed their lungs out or offered up the dramatic commentary that keeps fans on the edge of their seats. Honestly, if you ever thought sports were just about the game itself, you’re absolutely right… unless you can hear what these voices have to say, then it becomes something else entirely. So grab your headphones, catch the match, and dive into the world of spirited commentary that encapsulates the heart and soul of the game. Cheers to 120 years of footballing drama, and here’s to the voices that make sure we never forget a single moment!
Nice – Lille
As part of the club’s monumental celebrations marking its 120th anniversary, the much-anticipated event “Voices of the Gym” will take center stage this Sunday, highlighting the essential figures who, with microphones in hand or headphones fitted snugly, have the power to evoke emotions during the Aiglons matches, both on air and within the energetic stadium atmosphere.
For this special occasion, the talented artist Coun has created a striking poster in a vibrant comic book style, capturing the essence of these “voices” in all their diverse incarnations, including passionate supporters, enthusiastic stadium announcers, and lively TV and radio commentators.
The festivities will kick off at 1 p.m. on Cours 1904, featuring a star-studded lineup of esteemed guests, such as former speakers Fabrice Mauro, who has been a beloved presence at the Allianz Riviera microphone from 2014 to 2024, and Michel Giomi, who energetically engaged fans at Stade du Ray from the late 1990s until his memorable farewell in 2013.
They will join Olivier Taboué, the inaugural speaker of the Allianz Riviera during the memorable 2013-2014 season, in the central circle where they will receive heartfelt recognition from the Nice public. This moment will be further commemorated with the presentation of the Coun poster by Virginie Rossetti, followed by an uplifting group rendition of a song connected to Franck Haise’s team alongside the talented Constantin Djivas.
The Mèfi Club in unison
The decibels will also rise before the match on the square, as enthusiastic fans can participate in a spirited competition organized in the Espace Mèfi Club to determine who will be crowned the “best pichoun speaker,” showcasing their talents in front of an esteemed jury.
PODCAST
In the fifth episode of our engaging podcast series, we explore the vital role of various speakers, whether at the stadium microphone or providing commentary on the Aiglons’ matches, as they return to their important roles as ‘transmitters’ of emotion, bringing the exhilaration of the game to life.
**Interview: Celebrating the Voices of Nice Football Club**
*Interviewer:* Welcome! Today we have a special guest, Fabrice Mauro, one of the legendary voices from Nice Football Club. Fabrice, it’s great to have you with us, especially on the eve of such a significant celebration for the club. How does it feel to be part of the “Voices of the Gym” event?
*Fabrice Mauro:* Thank you for having me! Honestly, it’s an incredible honor. To be celebrating 120 years of Nice Football Club alongside my fellow commentators and fans is something I never take for granted. It’s about recognizing the passion and hard work that goes into bringing the excitement of every match to life.
*Interviewer:* Speaking of excitement, can you tell us a bit about the atmosphere at the Allianz Riviera during the matches? How does that influence your commentary?
*Fabrice Mauro:* The atmosphere is electric! There’s nothing quite like the roar of the crowd when the Aiglons score. It energizes us commentators too. You feel the emotions—every cheer, every gasp—pulsing through the stadium, and it drives you to deliver your best performance. You could say it’s like being on stage in a grand theater, but with the added adrenaline of a live sports event!
*Interviewer:* I can only imagine! And let’s talk about the comic book-style poster created by Coun. What are your thoughts on being portrayed as a superhero?
*Fabrice Mauro:* (Laughs) It’s hilarious! I never thought of myself as a superhero, but I guess in the world of sports commentary, we do wield some pretty significant powers—our voices! I love the creativity of turning this celebration into something visually dynamic. It makes the event feel even more special.
*Interviewer:* With former commentators like Michel Giomi also taking the stage, how does it feel to be flanked by such legendary figures?
*Fabrice Mauro:* It feels surreal, to be honest. Michel is an icon in this field, and I’ve always looked up to him. Sharing the spotlight with such talent is inspiring. It’s like a family reunion of sorts, filled with nostalgia and shared memories from our time behind the microphone.
*Interviewer:* And what’s this “best pichoun speaker” competition all about?
*Fabrice Mauro:* Ah, the “pichoun” speakers! It’s a wonderful initiative to involve the younger audience. Picture these little commentators, fresh and full of enthusiasm, trying to mimic what they’ve seen us do. It’s a fun way to engage with the community and perhaps even spot some future talent in the making!
*Interviewer:* Sounds fantastic! Lastly, what can fans expect from the podcast that dives into the intricacies of match commentary?
*Fabrice Mauro:* The podcast is a blast! We break down memorable moments and share behind-the-scenes stories that often go untold. It’s not just about the game; it’s about the experience, the camaraderie, and the laughs we have behind the scenes. I think fans will really enjoy getting a glimpse into what it’s like to be the voices of their favorite moments.
*Interviewer:* Well, Fabrice, thank you so much for joining us. It’s clear that the “Voices of the Gym” event will be a memorable celebration. Here’s to many more years of football and emotion!
*Fabrice Mauro:* Thank you! I can’t wait to see everyone at the event! Cheers to Nice Football Club!
