NFL underlines commitment to France with Matthieu Maignal leading growth efforts across the country. 

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PARIS, FRANCE — Sept. 14, 2026 — Matthieu Maignal has been named Country manager NFL France ahead of the NFL’s first-ever regular season game in Paris at the Stade de France, on Sunday Oct. 25. 

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Beginning mid-September, Matthieu will be responsible for leading the league’s business and expansion across France in this newly created role. 

As part of its larger international expansion strategy and its commitment to France, the NFL also intends to open an office in Paris under Matthieu’s leadership. 

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A French native, Matthieu joins the NFL from the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP), the body that oversees Ligue 1 and Ligue 2, where he has served as director of commercial partnerships. He has previously held senior commercial and sponsorship roles at Paris La Défense Arena, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Amaury Sport Organisation (A.S.O.) and Sportfive. With his previous experience, M. Maignal brings expert and strategic knowledge of the sports industry landscape to the league. 

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The NFL is committed to growing the game globally at every level in the years ahead. With millions of NFL fans in France and Paris’ first regular season game this year, the league is underlining its investment in the growth of American football across the country. 

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“We are thrilled to have Matthieu lead our international growth efforts in France,” said Head of Europe & APAC at the NFL Brett Gosper. “As we approach our first game in Paris and beyond, Matthieu will play a crucial role in our long-term success and growing footprint in-market, as we establish ways for the NFL to engage new and existing French fans all year-round.” 

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“I am delighted to be joining the NFL at this point in its story in France,” said Matthieu Maignal, NFL France Country manager. “Delivering a first regular season game at Stade de France is a landmark moment for the sport in this country, and one I am proud to be part of. But the ambition goes well beyond October — the league is here for the long term, and my focus is on giving French fans something to follow every week of the year, not just one Sunday.” 

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The New Orleans Saints will take on the Pittsburgh Steelers at the Stade de France on Sunday, Oct. 25 at 2:30 p.m. local time.