France national football team defender Maxence Lacroix is providing free pizza to residents of his home village during the 2026 FIFA World Cup [1].
The gesture highlights the strong connection between professional athletes and their local communities, turning a global sporting event into a grassroots celebration.
Lacroix, who also plays for Crystal Palace, pledged to give one pizza per resident per match [1]. The offer is available to those who gather to watch the France national team games on a big screen set up in the village hall [2], [3].
This initiative began on Tuesday evening, June 16, 2026, at 9 p.m. local time [4]. The village of Ajat is located in the Dordogne department of France [2], [5].
Lacroix said the move is a way to thank his hometown for its support and to give back to the community that raised him [1], [3]. By funding the meals, the defender has ensured that the village residents can share a collective experience while supporting the national team.
Local officials and residents have welcomed the support, which transforms the village hall into a central hub for the community throughout the tournament. The effort ensures that the festivities remain inclusive for all residents regardless of their financial situation, a reflection of the player's ties to his roots.
“one pizza per resident per match”
This act of philanthropy by Maxence Lacroix illustrates the 'hometown hero' dynamic often seen in European football, where players use their professional success to reinvest in rural communities. By tying the reward to a communal viewing experience in the village hall, Lacroix is not only providing food but is actively strengthening local social cohesion during a period of high national interest.
