The influencer with 11 million YouTube subscribers, who will be on the sidelines during the French national football team matches in the United States next summer, is being criticized for his ‘illegitimacy’.
M6, the broadcaster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches from June 11 to July 19 in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, unveiled its plans at the Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel on Wednesday. Among the journalists and consultants, the private group has included YouTuber Michou in a special role.
“This will be the first time I experience a World Cup live and it’s like taking the first step as a reporter for me, with the mission of bringing the event to life for people,” said the 24-year-old Michou. “I will have a very special position, behind the goals, almost like a ‘first viewer’. It’s an incredible opportunity. My goal will be to film as much as possible and post on social media.”
Critics were quick to react to the announcement, both from football fans and media professionals. “What a disaster M6. Recruiting Michou is a slap in the face to journalists, the football world, and even content creators,” journalist Martial Goarnisson wrote on X. The subject was discussed on RMC and RMC Story on Thursday in the program “Estelle Midi”.
“It’s a legitimacy issue, he is incompetent. He has less competence than someone who has been trained for this and has been following football for a long time,” Pierre Rondeau expressed to Estelle Denis. The economics professor at the Sports Management School lamented that Michou was preferred over journalists who have the training and expertise for this work.
“I just came here to share with you a bit of what’s going on and the backstage from my perspective,” Michou said.
Another broadcaster for the upcoming World Cup, BeIN Sports, also presented its plans on Thursday. The pay-TV channel, which will broadcast all 104 matches live, is partnering with another content creator, Nico Colombien, for a digital format called “The Big Show” shot in Paris.
Responding to the criticism, Michou addressed the backlash on his social media, saying, “There are people who are a bit outraged to see that it’s me who is invited instead of someone else, maybe more into football than me. Know that I’m not taking anyone’s place. There are plenty of football reporters scheduled. I’m just here to share a bit of what’s happening and the backstage from my point of view.”
