French Men's Table Tennis Team Wins European Championship After 27 Years
The French men's table tennis team won the 2025 European Championship in Zadar, Croatia, their first title in 27 years, defeating Romania 3-0 in the final with key contributions from the Lebrun brothers and Simon Gauzy.
- • France won the European Table Tennis Championship in 2025 for the first time in 27 years.
- • The team defeated Romania 3-0 in the final held in Zadar, Croatia.
- • Key players included Alexis and Félix Lebrun and Simon Gauzy.
- • France defeated Germany in the semifinals, ending Germany's 20-year dominance in European men's table tennis.
Key details
On October 19, 2025, the French men's national table tennis team clinched the European Championship title, marking their first gold in 27 years. This historic victory took place in Zadar, Croatia, where France convincingly defeated Romania 3-0 in the final match of the tournament.
The French squad, featuring key players such as brothers Alexis and Félix Lebrun alongside Simon Gauzy, showcased remarkable skill and teamwork throughout the competition. Prior to the final, France overcame Germany in the semifinals—a significant feat given Germany's dominance in European table tennis over the past two decades. This triumph signaled a turning point for France, which had not secured the European team gold since the era of Jean-Philippe Gatien nearly three decades ago.
The final's decisive outcome reflected the depth of talent and determination within the French team. Alexis and Félix Lebrun, together with Simon Gauzy, were instrumental in their country's success, capitalizing on their strategic play and cohesive teamwork. France’s victory is not only a major accomplishment for the current generation of players but also a revival of the prestige that French table tennis held in the 1990s.
According to France24, this win marks a rare and historic moment for French table tennis, ending a long title drought and raising the sport's profile nationally. TF1's L'Equipe highlighted the significance of France overcoming the traditionally dominant German team and then Romania, underscoring the strength and ambition of the French players who aimed to emulate past glories.
With this championship, France reasserts itself as a major force in European table tennis, marking a new chapter in the sport's history within the country. The team’s success serves as a testament to their skill, resilience, and potential for further achievements on the international stage.