In a world where even the most casual social media posts are dissected for hidden meaning, a simple image of French soccer star Benjamin Pavard wearing a tight-fitting white tank top set off a viral uproar. But why did such a harmless snapshot—one of a World Cup-winning athlete in an outfit that’s practically synonymous with summer—send his fellow teammates and football fans into a homophobic tizzy? To paraphrase French philosopher Voltaire: “The problem with football is that it’s not just a sport—it’s a very masculine cult.”
Pavard’s post quickly became the object of ridicule from some of his France national team teammates, including Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé. Both athletes hit the comment section with crying face emojis, an unmistakable gesture of mockery. Marcus Thuram, who also plays for Inter Milan alongside Pavard, added his own cryptic remark: “I’m at a loss for words.” For many, this interaction seemed playful. But for others, it opened the door to a much darker, homophobic conversation that has long plagued French football.
The Politics of Masculinity: Why Is a Tank Top Suddenly “Gay”?
Football’s long-standing relationship with masculinity is complicated, and not in a good way. As Pavard’s Instagram moment shows, even a seemingly innocent post can spark criticism if it breaches the rigid “masculine codes” that the sport upholds. The irony here is palpable. After all, a tank top is hardly groundbreaking in the world of men’s fashion—just ask any Hollywood icon who’s donned one, from Marlon Brando to Bruce Willis. Yet, in the context of football, this simple piece of clothing somehow becomes a symbol of something far more sinister: femininity, and by extension, queerness.
As writer Blanche Marcel noted in GQ France, Pavard’s Instagram post unintentionally made him “the new ambassador of the white vest,” a garment now hilariously rebranded as “for the gays.” Who knew a simple sleeveless top could carry so much cultural weight?
But why does this matter? Well, it’s a problem if even players like Mbappé and Dembélé—themselves some of the brightest stars in French football—are perpetuating this idea that a male athlete, just by wearing a tank top, has somehow stepped out of line. What was originally an innocent social media post turned into a weapon used to police other players’ gender expression, all while reinforcing outdated stereotypes.
The Unseen Toll: What This Means for LGBTQ+ Athletes in Football
It’s not the first time Pavard has been at the center of this kind of homophobic controversy. With his chiseled good looks and open personality, he’s long been the subject of gossip surrounding his sexuality. But beyond the speculation, what’s most concerning is how his own teammates—whom one would expect to be allies—may not fully understand the impact of their actions. As Rouge Direct, a prominent LGBTQ+ advocacy group, pointed out in a piece for Medipart, this incident revealed a deeper, systemic issue within French football. They emphasized that the homophobic backlash against Pavard was not just about a tank top—it was about “policing masculinity” and reinforcing toxic norms that prevent athletes from being their true selves.
RELATED: Jake Daniels is Not Just a Gay Footballer, He’s a Great One Too
This is especially crucial for younger players who may feel compelled to suppress their identities in order to fit into a homophobic environment. When established players like Pavard are mocked for breaking gender norms, it sends a message to impressionable athletes: Don’t step out of line. Don’t wear what you want. Don’t express yourself freely, because the consequence could be social alienation.
The Bigger Picture: Homophobia in French Football
This incident also shines a light on the broader, persistent problem of homophobia in French football. It’s no secret that anti-LGBTQ+ behavior, such as slurs and chants, continues to run rampant in top-flight men’s games. A survey conducted by YouGov found that nearly 40% of French football fans believe homophobia is a significant issue in the sport. That’s considerably higher than in countries like Italy and Spain, where the percentage hovers around 24%. In this context, Pavard’s photo didn’t just spark a few jokes—it became a flashpoint in the ongoing battle against homophobia in football.
RELATED: Miguel Guerrero Switches from Professional Football to OnlyFans
In some ways, Pavard’s tank top moment is a microcosm of the larger problem. It’s not just about one photo; it’s about how football, both on and off the field, continues to reject the fluidity of gender expression. It’s about a sport that has yet to embrace the full spectrum of identity, preferring instead to keep things as “manly” as possible. For young athletes, the fear of being perceived as “less than” because of their appearance or behavior is a daily struggle. And it’s not just a casual joke or comment—it can affect their mental health, their self-esteem, and their performance on the field.
Looking Ahead: Creating Change in the Locker Room and Beyond
So what’s the solution here? It’s not about banning playful banter in the locker room. In fact, studies suggest that locker rooms in men’s professional sports are becoming more accepting places overall. What matters is that we shift the culture away from policing people’s gender expression and start embracing diversity—not just in the stands, but also on the pitch. The comments section of Instagram is no place for humiliating people based on outdated stereotypes of masculinity. Instead of fueling the fire with snide comments, players—especially those in positions of power—should be using their platform to challenge the homophobia that pervades their sport.
As Pavard’s seemingly innocent tank top moment reminds us, French football has a long way to go before it can be considered truly inclusive. Until then, we’ll keep seeing posts like these—as well as the mocking responses they generate—serve as a painful reminder of how much work still needs to be done.
And as for Pavard? He may have been caught off guard by the frenzy his fashion choices created. But let’s be clear: He’s just a man in a tank top, doing his thing. In a world that still holds rigid boundaries around masculinity, that may be one of the most radical things you can do.
Perhaps the knuckle-draggers would be happier if we go back to calling them ‘wife beaters’ – removing any taint of them being gay.