A photo of Désiré Doué and Maxence Lacroix arriving with Bibles ahead of France’s Nations League clash with Belgium has caught the attention of football fans.
The timing was particularly interesting. France entered the Belgium game after opening their Nations League campaign with a 1–0 victory over Türkiye on September 25. They then secured another 1–0 win away against Belgium on September 28, giving them two victories from their first two matches under new head coach Zinedine Zidane.
That created an obvious coincidence around the photograph: two players carrying Bibles and two consecutive France victories. However, there is no evidence that the players’ faith or the books had any connection with the results.
Doué Came Close To Scoring In Brussels
Doué started against Belgium and played the full 90 minutes, remaining one of France’s main attacking threats.
The PSG forward came close to opening the scoring in the first half when his effort struck the crossbar. He continued to cause problems after the break as France searched for a breakthrough, but Belgium managed to keep the visitors from scoring until the closing stages.
That meant the Chelsea defender had started both of France’s opening Nations League matches under Zidane. His continued selection suggests he has quickly become an important part of the manager’s defensive plans, while France also kept another clean sheet in Brussels.
Both Players Have Spoken Openly About Their Faith
Neither player has publicly stated that carrying the Bibles was connected to the Belgium match or intended as a good-luck ritual. Their Christian faith, however, is something both players have discussed publicly.
Lacroix has spoken openly about discovering Christianity and described his faith as the “foundation” of his life. He has also previously discussed praying with teammates before matches.
Doué has similarly been open about his beliefs. Following PSG’s Champions League triumph in 2026, he publicly thanked Jesus Christ and spoke about having prayed for the achievement.
That background makes the photograph less surprising. Rather than being evidence of a new pre-match ritual, it appears consistent with beliefs both players have previously spoken about.
How The Photo Spread Online
The image travelled quickly through Christian sports communities on X, each account framing it slightly differently. SportsDokita was among the first to flag it, using the moment to celebrate both players’ openness about their beliefs.
“Before the match between France and Belgium yesterday, 2 ‘Lost Souls’ were spotted. France’s Maxence Lacroix and Désiré Doué were seen carrying their Bibles as they arrived for the game against Belgium. UNASHAMEDLY JESUS BOYS!!!!”
Faith-focused account Ballers In God shared the same photo more plainly, and the exact same wording was picked up shortly after by the Christian Concord Network, who added their own note of appreciation.
“Bibles in hand on international duty. Maxence Lacroix and Désiré Doué were seen carrying their Bibles as they arrived for France’s game against Belgium.”
The Christian Concord Network reposted the same image shortly after, crediting Ballers In God directly and adding their own note of appreciation.
“Bibles in hand on international duty. Maxence Lacroix and Désiré Doué were seen carrying their Bibles as they arrived for France’s game against Belgium. We love seeing players make room for God, even on the biggest stages. ~~~ Ballers In God #CCN #christianconcordnetwork”
Cedars and Saints framed it as a quiet statement from both players about what they chose to bring with them on international duty.
“Representing France. Bringing their faith with them. Maxence Lacroix and Désiré Doué arrived for international duty ahead of the Belgium match with Bibles in hand.”
Not every reaction stopped at admiration, though. Some accounts shared the same image before adding a pointed question of their own.
“On national team duty with the Word in hand. Maxence Lacroix and Désiré Doué arrived at the France camp with their Bibles ahead of the clash against Belgium. What about the less privileged?”
That last reply captured a small undercurrent running through the responses, appreciation for the players’ openness about their faith, alongside a gentle push for that same visibility to extend into action off the pitch.
France’s Two Wins Made The Timing Even More Interesting
France had already beaten Türkiye 1–0 before following it with another 1–0 victory against Belgium. With Doué and Lacroix photographed carrying Bibles before the Belgium fixture, fans naturally noticed the timing.
Still, there is no evidence linking the Bibles to France’s results. The photograph simply offers an interesting glimpse into the personal faith of two France internationals who happened to be part of another victory for their country.
