Skip to main content
SI

Video: French Soccer Fan Goes Rogue and Beats the Keeper on Ceremonial Kickoff

He even got a hug from the coach!
Dan Gartland|
Video: French Soccer Fan Goes Rogue and Beats the Keeper on Ceremonial Kickoff
Video: French Soccer Fan Goes Rogue and Beats the Keeper on Ceremonial Kickoff

An Olympique Marseille fan fulfilled a dream before the club’s game Sunday against Toulouse, but he had to go off script to do it. 

OM invited Kamel Zaroual to take the ceremonial kickoff before the game, in recognition of his recent 1,200-mile charity bike ride raising money for children in need. Just being on the pitch would be enough for most fans, but not Kamel. He took off on a breakaway through a Swiss cheese Toulouse defense and beat keeper Alban Lafont with a shot to the bottom corner. He even got a hug from Marseille manager Rudi Garcia. 

It was a bad day for Lafont, who also got beaten by two legitimate Marseille players in a 2–0 loss. 

Published | Modified
Dan Gartland
DAN GARTLAND

Dan Gartland writes Sports Illustrated’s flagship daily newsletter, SI:AM, and is the host of the “Stadium Wonders” video series. He joined the SI staff in 2014, having previously been published on Deadspin and Slate. Gartland, a graduate of Fordham University, is a former Sports Jeopardy! champion (Season 1, Episode 5).

Home/Soccer