France Blues honoured as Knights of the Legion of Honour

The France men’s national team were decorated as Knights of the Legion of Honour in Montpellier, France last Tuesday.

Affectionately known as the Blues, the French national team received this esteemed order of merit in recognition of their historic achievement of winning the gold medal at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. During the ceremony, members of the Tokyo squad delivered heartfelt speeches, sharing their remarkable journey to Olympic glory.

This momentous occasion marks the first time the Blues have been knighted as part of the Legion of Honour, heralding a new chapter in French volleyball history. It was also the first time that a father (Coach Laurent Tillie) and his son (Kevin Tillie) were decorated at the same time.

The colourful ceremony was attended by the Mayor of Montpellier and President of the Méditerranée Metropolis, Michael Delafosse, President of the society of members of the Legion of Honour in Hérault, Danielle Aben, and French Volleyball Federation President Eric Tanguy, local elected leaders as well as family and friends of the players.

Former French National Olympic and Sports Committee President and Legion of Honour Officer Denis Masseglia awarded the medals to Coach Laurent Tillie and his team.