Thibaut Loubier: The Hospital Porter Who United a Community Through People’s Puskas

When Loubier struck the ball that day, he had already calculated his chance. The goalkeeper was far off his line, and from his position, Loubier knew a high shot to the opposite corner might just beat him. What followed was a moment of pure footballing magic that would capture the imagination of thousands.

"What I like best about the goal is first and foremost the action, but with the shot itself, it's that the ball rises very high and then drops again very quickly," the Etoile Sportive Trouy player recalls. "When I saw it go in, I thought it was a fantastic goal, and I was even happier because it was in a cup match against a team at the national level."

Loubier’s sublime lob finish secured him second place in this year's People's Puskas, where he was beaten by just a handful of votes in an incredibly close finish. However, the impact of his nomination extended far beyond the football pitch. By day, Loubier works as a porter at the local hospital, where his goal suddenly became the talk of the corridors.

"People's Puskas became the center of many discussions, especially at work with people I didn't necessarily speak to before," he shares. "Despite finishing as runner-up, everyone says it was an exceptional journey and that I should be proud of it."

A Community United

What makes Loubier's story particularly special is how it galvanized an entire community. When his goal was nominated, local supporters launched their own grassroots campaign, complete with QR codes directing people to the voting page.

"I've received enormous support from radio stations in my region, newspapers, surrounding clubs, my club, professional players from my area, and my workplace," Loubier explains with evident pride. "To have gathered so many people in this adventure is an enormous source of pride for me."

The campaign evolved into a regional movement, with people who had never met Loubier rallying behind their local hero. Hospital staff, football fans, and community members all joined forces to support the porter with the golden touch. He even gained support from former Marseille and Aston Villa player and current Nice player Morgan Sanson, his teammate Baptiste Santamaria, French national team player Charlotte Bilbault, and a number of influencers who all shared his goal and encouraged their followers to vote.

More Than Just Football

For Loubier, the experience transcended football. While his day-to-day life hasn't fundamentally changed, the connections he's made and the pride he's brought to his community have created lasting memories.

"I wouldn't say it has changed my game or my confidence, it's especially an enormous pride," he reflects. The recognition didn't transform him into a different player, but rather validated the instinctive footballing intelligence that was always there.

When asked what advice he would give to others hoping to score similar goals, Loubier's answer is refreshingly simple: "To score goals like this, you need to dare and take the chance when the opportunity arises."

The Power of Grassroots Football

Loubier's story exemplifies how technology is democratizing football recognition. A hospital porter playing in a local league can now have his moment of brilliance captured, shared, and celebrated alongside goals from the world's biggest stadiums.

"The People's Puskas experience has been enormous, your organization incredible, and your communication likewise," Loubier says gratefully. I hope to participate again someday, and I thank you very much for this experience, which will remain unforgettable."

As football continues to evolve with technology, more magical moments like Loubier's will be preserved rather than lost to memory. His story reminds us that football's beauty doesn't discriminate by level or location – it can emerge anywhere the game is played with passion.

"I wish you all the best going forward," Loubier concludes, "and see you again, I hope, with another beautiful goal."

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