« Living and performing in France : the challenge of integrating international athletes in France »

Welcoming talents from around the world creates a specific challenge for French sports clubs : facilitating the arrival and integration of their foreign athletes.

Clarisse Delaitre, immigration lawyer at Majorelle Mobility and Mathilde Bodu, founder and CEO of HAPPY IN FRANCE, explore this topic, highlighting the importance of addressing legal requirements and personal well-being to ensure athletes thrive both on and off the field.

The challenge of integration

The globalization of sports has brought international talents to French clubs, particularly in rugby’s Top 14, where nearly 40% of players come from abroad. Athletes from England, Scotland, South Africa, Fiji and New Zealand enrich the game but face challenges in language, culture and administration.

Administrative hurdles: visas, work permits, employment contract, social security

Clarisse Delaitre highlights the complexities of obtaining visas for athletes. Each case requires tailored solutions, whether for temporary contracts, legal dependencies on clubs or family visas.

Lengthy processes often delay player arrivals, impacting team preparation and performance, especially at the season’s start. Without structured support, clubs risk legal complications, canceled contracts, and even denied entries.

Language and cultural barriers

Foreign athletes often arrive with great talent but limited knowledge of French. Language is vital for team integration and understanding gameplay instructions. Cultural differences can exacerbate misunderstandings. For example, English-speaking players used to direct communication may struggle with the nuances of French interactions.
One example involves a Fijian rugby player whose inability to speak French or adapt to local life led him to isolation. Despite his on-field performance, he left after one season, highlighting mutual disappointment and lost investment for him and the club.

Personal integration: a key to success

Mathilde Bodu emphasizes that an athlete’s personal well-being is the foundation for high performance on the field. Athletes must feel comfortable in their daily lives to perform well. Relocation involves navigating through French administrative system and ensuring family stability. For instance, a Serbian basketball player struggled after his partner failed to find work, affecting his morale and performance. Balancing personal and professional life is crucial but often overlooked.

Why invest in integration support services ?

A well-integrated athlete is a high-performing athlete. By anticipating and prioritizing integration, clubs enhance team cohesion, reduce failure risks and build a supportive reputation among recruits.

Interestingly, these challenges faced by international athletes are very similar to those encountered by British expatriates joining companies in France, underscoring the universal importance of effective integration.

Are you interested in these topics? This article is the first in our « Living and performing in France » series. Stay tuned for more articles on this subject in the coming months!

For more information :

• Clarisse Delaitre: cdelaitre@majorelle-avocats.com | +33 6 73 12 71 82
• Mathilde Bodu: mathilde@happyinfrance.fr | +33 6 17 85 85 46