With the bracelet on his arm and a big smile on his face, Kévin Ramírez led the troops to clap his hands in front of the brave French fans present in Bukhara (Uzbekistan) after the success obtained in the round of 16 of the Futsal World Cup, against Thailand (5 -2), Friday, September 27.
This scene of joy symbolizes the central role played by the captain of the France team, which will face Paraguay on Monday (2:30 p.m.) for a place in the semifinals of its first World Cup. “It’s obviously an essential part of our system.says Raphaël Reynaud, his coach since 2021. It brings its experience, its standards and its workforce. He has more than ten years at the highest level in the four corners of the world behind him and has developed a global futsal culture. »
Thus, although a sprained ankle, suffered in mid-August, interrupted his preparation, it is impossible to do without a cog that has become so important within the blue system. “Captain in its purest form, capable of sacrificing himself for the collective”, According to Raphaël Reynaud, Kévin Ramirez, 37 years old and with 109 international caps to his name, nevertheless wore the blue tunic for the first time when he was only 26 years old.
The native of Clermont-Ferrand, of Spanish blood, only obtained French nationality in 2014. “I arrived late, but it is a privilege to have lived so much with the national teamhe trusts. It is a dream to play in a World Cup and shine there. I enjoy every moment with this group. »
“He wasn’t on the radar at first.recalls Raphaël Reynaud. I was an observer on Pierre Jacky’s team. [l’ancien sélectionneur de l’équipe de France] when it is first detected. He surprised me that day and hasn’t left the Blues since. »
“I’ve had some fights with the Blues, and some great ones.remembers Kévin Ramírez. This allowed us to learn, qualify for the Euro Cup. [en 2018]and put in great performances against some great nations of the world. »
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How far he has come since he discovered futsal in Spain in 2008! “In the summer, when the 11-a-side football season breaks, everyone there dedicates themselves to futsal”says. The discipline is assimilable. “chess”where this former defensive midfielder, who passed through the Clermont Foot training centre, “It is a pleasure to anticipate”.
Recruited by a third division team, Manilva FS, he finished top of the championship and was promoted to the second division. The prelude to the famous Spanish elite is also professional, but Kévin Ramírez chooses to maintain a part-time job alongside futsal.
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