Nice defender Estelle Laurier to appear on French TV dating show
OGC Nice defender Estelle Laurier is set to appear on the French reality television show 'Mariés au premier regard' (Married at First Sight), the club's player has confirmed. The 28-year-old defender will participate in the show's format, where participants agree to a legally binding marriage to a stranger selected by a panel of experts.
In a promotional video for the programme, Laurier explained her decision, citing the unique challenges of a professional football career. "I want to be a professional footballer and have a love life," Laurier said. "I am living my dream, but many things are very difficult day-to-day. It's a lot of effort, we travel for away games every other weekend. We miss birthdays and family events. It's a daily sacrifice and you have to hold on."
The French defender, who was born in Bron, has spoken openly about the personal sacrifices required for her career, which have impacted her personal life. "In my previous relationships, I didn't feel understood," Laurier explained. "When I met a guy and told him how my daily life was, it scared him. It was frustrating because he didn't understand my profession, my way of life, and that created a rift."
Laurier, who joined Nice in 2022, also addressed the stereotypes she faces as a female footballer. "The prejudice of being a female footballer has also been detrimental," she said. "For them, I'm supposed to have my hair tied back with trainers and joggers all the time. That's not the case at all. These are prejudices that people have, but they are not true."
Her participation highlights the unique pressures on female athletes balancing high-level sport with personal life. The show, which will air on French channel M6, sees couples matched by a panel of experts and legally married upon their first meeting at the altar. Laurier is hoping the process will help her find a partner who understands the demands of her athletic career.
Her decision to join the show comes from a desire to find someone who accepts her professional commitments. "That's why I'm turning to 'Married at First Sight' to help me find someone who will, above all, accept my daily life, because I think that kind of man is quite rare," Laurier stated. The show's participants are matched by a panel of experts, including a psychologist and a sexologist, before meeting for the first time at their own wedding.
Laurier's participation shines a light on the personal sacrifices made by professional athletes, particularly women, whose careers can place significant strain on personal relationships. Her story underscores the balance many professional sportswomen must strike between their sporting ambitions and personal life.
