PARIS (AP) — Soccer players from France and Ukraine joined supporters in a minute’s silence before their match on Thursday, ending a poignant day of commemorations across the city for victims of the Paris terror attacks 10 years ago.
The attacks on Nov. 13, 2015 began outside Stade de France, the national stadium, where France was playing Germany. They spread across the city in deadly assaults that killed 132 people and injured over 400.
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A screen reading Paris' motto "It is rocked by the waves, but does not sink" during a minute of silence in tribute for the victims of the Nov.13, 2015 Paris attacks, ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers Europe zone group D football match between France and Ukraine at the Parc des Princes stadium, Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025 in Paris. ( Franck Fife, Pool photo via AP)
Former French President Francois Hollande applauds from the stands during a World Cup 2026 group D qualifying soccer match between France and Ukraine in Paris, Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Ukrainian, right, and French players observe a minute of silence in tribute to the victims of the Nov.13, 2015 Paris attacks, ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers Europe zone group D football match between France and Ukraine at the Parc des Princes stadium, Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025 in Paris. ( Franck Fife, Pool photo via AP)
Ukraine's and France's team players stand on the pitch for the national anthems and for a minute of silence in tribute of the victims of the Nov.13, 2015 Paris attacks, ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers Europe zone group D football match between France and Ukraine at the Parc des Princes stadium, Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025 in Paris. ( Franck Fife, Pool photo via AP)
Ukrainian, right, and French players observe a minute of silence in tribute to the victims of the Nov.13, 2015 Paris attacks, ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers Europe zone group D football match between France and Ukraine at the Parc des Princes stadium, Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025 in Paris. ( Franck Fife, Pool photo via AP)
Ten years on, France faced Ukraine in a World Cup qualifier held at Parc des Princes in western Paris.
After fans sang the national anthems — with part of France's “La Marseillaise” passionately sung a cappella — players walked to the center circle and stood by a banner reading “Football for Peace." They linked arms with their teammates and some stood with their heads bowed as the silence was impeccably observed.
Salim Toorabally, the security guard whose vigilance prevented a bomber entering the stadium 10 years ago, was invited to the match as a guest of the French Football Federation. François Hollande, who was French President in 2015, was also there.
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A screen reading Paris' motto "It is rocked by the waves, but does not sink" during a minute of silence in tribute for the victims of the Nov.13, 2015 Paris attacks, ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers Europe zone group D football match between France and Ukraine at the Parc des Princes stadium, Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025 in Paris. ( Franck Fife, Pool photo via AP)
Former French President Francois Hollande applauds from the stands during a World Cup 2026 group D qualifying soccer match between France and Ukraine in Paris, Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Ukrainian, right, and French players observe a minute of silence in tribute to the victims of the Nov.13, 2015 Paris attacks, ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers Europe zone group D football match between France and Ukraine at the Parc des Princes stadium, Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025 in Paris. ( Franck Fife, Pool photo via AP)
Ukraine's and France's team players stand on the pitch for the national anthems and for a minute of silence in tribute of the victims of the Nov.13, 2015 Paris attacks, ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers Europe zone group D football match between France and Ukraine at the Parc des Princes stadium, Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025 in Paris. ( Franck Fife, Pool photo via AP)
Ukrainian, right, and French players observe a minute of silence in tribute to the victims of the Nov.13, 2015 Paris attacks, ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers Europe zone group D football match between France and Ukraine at the Parc des Princes stadium, Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025 in Paris. ( Franck Fife, Pool photo via AP)
