The football world in Étampois and Sud-Essonien is in mourning. Christian Froger passed away on May 5, leaving behind the memory of a passionate, loyal, and deeply committed man to amateur football. “Since 2013 in Quarante, a town near Béziers, Christian Froger had never stopped sharing his passion. Until his last days, he remained active at Football Olympique Sud Hérault, where he coached young players in the U10 to U13 categories and the women’s teams. The day before his passing, he was still present on the fields,” said his friend Christian Perron, former manager of Football Club d’Étampes. “But it was in Sud-Essonne that Christian Froger wrote the most beautiful chapters of his sports career. In the 1970s, he played for Club Olympique Municipal d’Étampes (COME). He then continued his journey at the Association Sportive de Morigny, where he served as a player-coach in the senior goalkeeper position. He later returned to his heart club, COME, now known as Football Club d’Étampes (FCE). Over the years, he held various positions there: coach of the men’s senior team, with whom he won the Coupe de l’Essonne and clinched a group champion title, then coach of the women’s senior team, before focusing on the football school and youth teams, especially the 18-year-olds, with whom he shared many successful seasons. With his shaved head reminiscent of Fabien Barthez, Christian Froger was often a subject of humor. His loved ones sometimes enjoyed mimicking Laurent Blanc’s famous cheek kiss to his favorite goalkeeper during the 1998 FIFA World Cup. A man of conviction, loyal to the clubs he served, always available, and possessing a true vision for the future, Christian Froger influenced several generations of players with his standards, commitment, and dedication to sport values.” The municipality of Étampes, along with all former members of COME and Football Club d’Étampes, extend their sincerest condolences to his wife Evelyne, who stood by him faithfully during club events, as well as to his entire family. Christian Froger’s funeral took place on Tuesday, May 12, at the church in Quarante, the village where he resided since 2013 near Béziers.
