Welcome, Monsieur Ettori

Former France goalkeeper Jean-Luc Ettori, who played for Monaco, has been named One Club Man 2026 in recognition of loyalty to a single club.

Jean-Luc Ettori, the former France and Monaco goalkeeper, has been honoured as One Club Man 2026. The award recognises exceptional loyalty to a single club throughout a career — a rare virtue in modern football. Ettori is among an elite group of recipients including Maldini, Puyol, Le Tissier, Bergomi and Carragher. The article reflects on Ettori's career, including his appearance for France against England at the 1982 World Cup in Spain, where he conceded three goals in a group-stage match. France recovered to reach the semi-finals, where they drew 3–3 with West Germany in Seville before losing on penalties. The piece contrasts the loyalty exemplified by Ettori's career with modern football's emphasis on financial gain and player mobility.