Sevilla's French Love Affair: Maupay Joins the Gallic Revolution
Neal Maupay becomes the 27th Frenchman to don Sevilla's colours, continuing a rich tradition of French talent at the Andalusian club that's seen both triumphs and disasters.
Sevilla’s French connection grows stronger as Neal Maupay becomes the latest in a long line of Gallic talent to grace the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán, with the Olympique Marseille loanee becoming the 27th Frenchman to pull on the famous red and white shirt.
From Pioneers to Present Day
The French-Sevilla relationship dates back to 1948 when Georges Dard became not just the first Frenchman but the first foreigner to play for the club. Like Maupay, Dard also arrived from Marseille, though his Spanish adventure lasted just one season.
Nearly half a century passed before the next Frenchmen arrived - goalkeeper Dominique Casagrande and defender Jean-Manuel Thétis both had forgettable stints in the late 1990s.
The real French revolution at Sevilla began in the 21st century:
- Julien Escudé (2006): The Ajax defender became a club legend, winning six trophies and ranking as the seventh-most capped foreign player in club history
- The Emery Era: The Basque manager’s trophy-laden period featured French stars like Kevin Gameiro, Adil Rami, and Steven Nzonzi during their Europa League three-peat
- The Goalscorers: Wissam Ben Yedder established himself as one of Sevilla’s greatest foreign marksmen before Youssef En-Nesyri eventually surpassed his tally
Hits and Misses
Not every French signing has been Adam and Eve (believe) at the Pizjuán. For every Jules Koundé - who arrived from Bordeaux and left as the club’s record sale - there’s been a Joris Gnagnon or Anthony Martial who flopped spectacularly.
Recent times have seen mixed results:
- Monchi’s Mistakes: The director’s second stint saw costly disappointments in Martial and Tanguy Nianzou
- Recent Successes: Loïc Badé has become a fan favourite, while current squad member Batista Mendy (on loan from Trabzonspor) is proving one of this season’s best acquisitions
The Marseille Pipeline
The connection between Sevilla and Marseille is particularly strong, with Maupay becoming the 14th player to have represented both clubs. This well-trodden path includes names like Lucas Ocampos, Samir Nasri, and César Azpilicueta.
With his French-Argentine dual heritage (the latter being Sevilla’s most represented foreign nation with 42 players), Maupay’s arrival in Nervión feels almost preordained - another chapter in a French connection that’s become part of the club’s modern identity.