Heart‑Sinking news: Nantes mourns the disappearance of Emiliano Sala
When Nantes coach Vahid Halilhodzic learned that Emiliano Sala‘s plane had crashed on the English Channel, the emotions were raw. “I’ve been shaken to my core,” he breathed out, his voice quivering on the press call. Fans echo the feeling, saying it’s as if they’ve lost “someone from our own family.”
What happened?
- On Monday night, Sala headed from France to Wales for a fresh chapter with the Premier League side Cardiff City.
- The 28‑year‑old Argentine’s disappearance was declared “extremely remote” by the police—who now call off the search.
- In Nantes, the club’s 12‑goal scorer from the 2015‑present squad had signed an EV$17 million deal with a club fighting to stay in the top flight.
A club in grief
While the club gathered at the La Chapelle‑sur‑Erdre training centre, fans mounted a vigil full of flowers, candles, and an image of Sala. One poster shouted, “Keep hoping!”—a plaintive reminder that maybe there’s a tiny flicker of hope left.
Voices of the support group
Club captain Valentin Rongier urged “stand united” and “respect the family who are refusing to speak of mourning.” He insisted that the team would not have a moment of silence or an applause because hope still lives.
Maxime Perrouin, just 29, stood with his husky dog in the club tee, speaking to the fans: “The players need us.
- They’re six points above the relegation line.
- Seeing all of you there lifts them—like having a cheering squad on the field.
Perrouin added, “My eyes are wet because this feels like a family loss.” Meanwhile, Andree Guittet, 69, who’s supported the Canaries for 35 years, admitted she initially didn’t believe the news, thinking it fake news. Now she calls Sala a “battler” and “warrior,” not a Neymar or Mbappé, but someone who earned their respect on and off the pitch.
What we remember
Emiliano Sala – 12 league goals for Nantes this season, an Argentine who joined that same club in 2015 – continues to live in the memories of the club and its faithful fans.
Despite the heartbreaking reality, the Nantes community keeps whispering hope, offering support to the players, and reminding everyone that love for the sport—and for each other—keeps burning, even in the darkest moments.
