There’s a youth and quiet humility to the way Antoine Zeghdar speaks, a quality that makes it very easy to forget that you’re conversing with an Olympic gold medallist — and a phenomenally successful sportsman all round. But at just 26 years old, the French Rugby Sevens player has already built a career defined by sacrifice, creativity and a quiet confidence. And as he’s about to return to the Dubai Rugby Sevens field for the fifth time, there’s no mistaking that he’s got his eyes on just one prize — clinching the win for his national team.
Born and raised in Monaco, Zeghdar discovered rugby somewhat by chance. “Neither of my parents knew anything about rugby. My father, nothing; my mother, the same. But in Monaco, kids are encouraged to try many sports, and that’s how I found rugby.” What began as a childhood pastime quickly became a calling. “What really drew me to rugby was the team spirit and the respect among players. I did judo before, but rugby gave me the sense of belonging I was missing.”
That sense of belonging soon led to purpose. “The year of the Olympics, I was with the French Sevens national team, and it was the best of both worlds: playing rugby and spending quality time with my family in Monaco.” It turned out to be a recipe for success both for Antoine and the wider team — the French side clinched gold in a devastatingly convincing 28-7 win over Fiji, in an emotional display of prowess in front of an ecstatic home crowd. And when faced with a choice between returning to club rugby or continuing with Sevens, he didn’t hesitate: “At the end of my contract, my club wanted me to sign on, but I chose to stay with the Sevens. I’m really happy with that decision, it was definitely the right one for me.” His focus now? “Now my greatest objective is the Olympics in 2028. I want to help bring the team to the top, just like we did in Paris, and now, hopefully, in LA.”
For Zeghdar, rugby is more than competition: it’s a reflection of resilience, a value rooted deeply in his identity. “My father’s side of the family is from the Middle East with Armenian and Lebanese, and also Algerian, roots,” he says. “Generosity and hospitality are very important values in my culture. Every time I visit Dubai, friends welcome me into their homes. It’s something I appreciate and try to carry with me.”
It’s also why the Dubai Sevens holds such significance for him. “Dubai Sevens is very special for me. My first tournament with the French team, under-18, was there. There’s a unique atmosphere in the stadium, with so many fans cheering — especially French fans. We’ve never won the Dubai Sevens, so we go there every year with extra motivation. I think I’ve played there three or four times, and it’s always an honour.”
Outside the field, Zeghdar’s fascination with precision extends to his wrist. “I have a particular affection for watches. My father has a passion for them too, and each one marks a special moment in his life, like a birthday or an achievement.”
He smiles, recalling his first watch: “My godfather [Belgian former F1 driver Thierry Boutsen] gave me a Cartier Tank engraved with my name and birth date at my baptism. That watch has a lot of emotion for me, and I still wear it.” And as for what’s next in his collection? “I like to keep an eye on Watches and Wonders every year, I enjoy seeing all the new and creative pieces that come out,” says Antoine. “I like Jacob & Co. too, especially the Casino pieces which, for a Monagesque, is great. I saw that Rolex released a new laps lazuli day-date, and I do also appreciate Audemars Piguet. My father also has some from IWC, and Breitling was one of his first watches. But for me, if we win something this year – hopefully in Dubai – what I would really love to buy is a Cartier Santos, the one with the green dial.”
Zeghdar’s eye for craftsmanship extends to fashion, too. “Now that I’m with the Sevens, I have more free time and can enjoy not just rugby, but other things I like, such as fashion.” He recently attended Paris Fashion Week, which he cites as “a great experience. I managed to attend the Pierre Cardin show, and even though some things are more creative than what I’d wear, I appreciate the artistry. You have to watch these shows with an open mind, to see the vision of the designers.”
Curiosity, it seems, drives him in all things. “I’m a curious person and I love to try new things. For example, I once spent the whole night learning to solve a Rubik’s Cube and now I can do it in under a minute. I also play chess, which helps me calm down when my mind is too busy. It’s important to have interests outside rugby.”
For Zeghdar, balance is everything: between strength and sensitivity, sport and art, instinct and intellect. “It’s important, I think, to show that rugby players can have other passions and not limit themselves,” he says. “I think it’s important to keep a sense of wonder, to appreciate creativity, whether it’s in watches, fashion or life. Being open-minded and following your interests is a strength, not a distraction. It makes me a better player and a happier person.”
As he heads to Dubai once again, where it all began for a young player just starting out, Antoine Zeghdar embodies the modern athlete: grounded in heritage, driven by purpose, and inspired by the intricate beauty of time itself. But will he finally achieve that tantilising Dubai Rugby Sevens win, and the Cartier Santos he so desires as a result? Only time will tell… Allez les bleus, indeed.
