Credits: Jarodd / Wikimedia Commons — CC BY-SA 3.0.
Daniel Congré, former iconic defender for the Toulouse and Montpellier soccer clubs, and currently sporting coordinator at Olympique Lyonnais (OL), was rushed to the hospital on Monday, June 9, following a severe stab wound. The 40-year-old former professional player was found critically injured at his home in Pérols. Indeed, this location is near Montpellier (Hérault). In addition, he suffered a deep wound near the heart. The Montpellier prosecutor’s office confirmed to Le Parisien on Tuesday, June 10, that it was a suicide attempt. Congré denies this. Some sources even mentioned a violent domestic dispute as the cause, but nothing appears to have been confirmed.
According to information reported by local media, including actu.fr and Midi Libre, Daniel Congré was found unconscious around 7 p.m. Monday evening. Emergency responders, including firefighters, SAMU, and police officers, immediately took charge of the former footballer. They found significant blood loss due to the severity of the injury. Hospitalized in critical condition at Montpellier University Hospital (CHU), his condition has since stabilized.
The Montpellier judicial police have opened an investigation to determine the exact circumstances of this personal tragedy.
Trained at Toulouse Football Club (TFC), his youth club, where he played 227 official matches, Daniel Congré joined Montpellier Hérault Sport Club (MHSC) in 2012. During his nine years at MHSC, he played 325 matches. In addition, four of them took place in the Champions League during the 2012-2013 season. He continued his career at Dijon Football Côte-d’Or from 2021 until his retirement from professional sports in 2024.
Since October 2024, Daniel Congré had held the position of sporting coordinator at Olympique Lyonnais, where he was notably responsible for the link between the coaching staff and sporting management.
This tragic event underscores the crucial importance of addressing mental health issues among professional athletes. It also highlights the importance of psychological support, especially in the face of the complex challenges that can follow a top-level career. In addition, career transitions require appropriate support to overcome these obstacles effectively.