Matthieu Jalibert set to shine in Champions Cup final amid France snub
Jalibert’s resurgence at Bordeaux-Bègles highlights his critical role despite France exclusion.
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| Bordeaux-Begles fly-half Matthieu Jalibert kicks the ball during a Top 14 rugby union match at Chaban-Delmas Stadium in Bordeaux, southwestern France, on May 17, 2025. Photo by Philippe Lopez/AFP |
By Widya Putri and Randy Ahmad
As Bordeaux-Bègles prepare for their first Champions Cup final since the club’s founding in 2006, all eyes are on Matthieu Jalibert—the fly-half once hailed as the future of French rugby. After years of stop-start momentum at international level, Jalibert now has the opportunity to prove his worth on the biggest stage in European club rugby, even as he continues to be marginalized in the national team setup.
The Champions Cup final against Northampton, set to take place this Saturday in Cardiff, represents not just a historic occasion for Bordeaux-Bègles, but a personal redemption arc for Jalibert. The 26-year-old playmaker has been in sensational form, orchestrating his club’s attacking flair and turning heads with game-winning performances.
A career of promise and setbacks
Jalibert burst onto the scene as a teenager in 2018, making his debut for France with high expectations attached to his name. However, his Test career was almost immediately derailed by a serious knee injury during his very first game for Les Bleus. Since that ill-fated debut, he has struggled to cement his place in the national team, making just 22 Test starts over seven years.
The rise of Romain Ntamack and Thomas Ramos in Fabien Galthié’s pecking order has limited Jalibert’s chances. Even during the 2023 Rugby World Cup, where Jalibert was the first-choice fly-half due to Ntamack's injury, questions about his defensive strength and leadership plagued his performances.
Despite these challenges, Jalibert has remained integral to Bordeaux-Bègles’ success. His ability to marshal the backline and create opportunities for teammates has been crucial, particularly during this season’s Champions Cup campaign.
Semi-final masterclass and restored confidence
Jalibert’s standout moment this season came in the semi-final against six-time champions Toulouse, where he outshone his rival Ntamack with a performance filled with flair, precision, and calm leadership. His ability to step up during big matches has not gone unnoticed.
“He was decisive against Toulouse,” said Castres head coach Xavier Sadourny. “Since that match, he seems to be radiating confidence—and he passes that confidence on to his teammates.”
Jalibert’s transformation has been as much psychological as it has been tactical. After withdrawing from the national squad last November citing mental health concerns, he has emerged mentally stronger, more focused, and determined to prove his critics wrong.
Fans and critics divided on international role
Jalibert’s relationship with the French national team has remained complicated. Although he was France’s starting fly-half during last year’s World Cup, his performances were inconsistent, and his only Six Nations appearance this year came in a disappointing defeat to England.
Fans have been particularly vocal about what they perceive as Jalibert’s defensive frailties and lack of assertiveness in the No. 10 jersey. Sadourny addressed the criticism, saying, “No one gives him an easy ride. People are hard on him, but he’s still here.”
In contrast, Jalibert’s club performances paint a different picture. Since the England loss, he has racked up 74 points across nine matches for Bordeaux-Bègles, including a dazzling solo try from 40 meters against Castres last weekend.
Teammates rally behind their fly-half
The resounding support from within the Bordeaux-Bègles camp shows just how vital Jalibert has become to the team’s identity. Full-back Romain Buros praised Jalibert’s commitment to self-improvement, particularly on defense.
“He’s worked a lot on the parts of his game that have been criticised,” Buros said. “I don’t have the exact stats, but I don’t think he’s missed many tackles recently.”
Buros added that Jalibert’s current mental state and form are a major boost for the entire squad heading into the final.
“His performances speak for themselves. He’s in a good place mentally and physically. I hope he keeps showing the same high standards this weekend.”
Leading Bordeaux-Bègles' lethal attack
One of Jalibert’s key tasks in the Champions Cup final will be to bring the best out of Bordeaux-Bègles’ star-studded backline. Wingers Louis Bielle-Biarrey and Damian Penaud, along with Buros, have already combined for a staggering 45 tries this season. Jalibert’s orchestration will be vital in unlocking Northampton’s defense and turning opportunities into points.
His creativity, vision, and improved game management are central to Bordeaux-Bègles’ attacking game plan. With Northampton known for their aggressive defensive lines, Jalibert’s decision-making under pressure will be under the spotlight more than ever.
A shot at personal redemption
For Jalibert, Saturday’s final is not just another match—it’s a chance to finally be recognized as a world-class fly-half in his own right, separate from the shadow of Ntamack and Ramos. With the national selectors watching, his performance could reignite his international career, especially with upcoming Test tours and the next Six Nations looming.
Rugby newspaper Midi Olympique certainly thinks he’s on the right path, featuring him on their cover this week with the headline “Maestro,” a nod to his control and brilliance on the field.
Whether or not Jalibert earns another extended run with Les Bleus, one thing is certain: his role in guiding Bordeaux-Bègles to the Champions Cup final has reaffirmed his elite status in European rugby.
As kickoff approaches in Cardiff, Jalibert stands on the brink of something special—a defining moment for both himself and the club that has always believed in his potential.
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