Daniel Congré, former iconic defender of the Toulouse and Montpellier football clubs, currently a sports coordinator at Olympique Lyonnais (OL), was urgently hospitalized on Monday, June 9, following a severe stab wound. The former professional player, aged 40, was found seriously injured at his home in Pérols, near Montpellier (Hérault). 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, which Congré denies. Some sources even mentioned a violent marital dispute as the cause of the incident, but nothing seems confirmed.
According to information relayed by local media, notably actu.fr and Midi Libre, Daniel Congré was found unconscious around 7 p.m. on Monday evening. Emergency services, including firefighters, SAMU, and police, immediately took charge of the former footballer. They noted significant blood loss due to the severity of the injury. Hospitalized in absolute emergency at the University Hospital Center (CHU) of Montpellier, his health condition has since stabilized.
The Montpellier judicial police have opened an investigation to determine the precise circumstances of this personal tragedy.
Trained at Toulouse Football Club (TFC), his formative 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, four of which were in the Champions League during the 2012-2013 season. He continued his career at Dijon Football Côte-d’Or starting in 2021, until his sports retirement in 2024.
Since October 2024, Daniel Congré held the position of sports coordinator at Olympique Lyonnais, where he notably ensured the link between the technical staff and the sports management.
This tragic event highlights the crucial importance of considering the mental health issues of professional athletes. It also underscores the importance of psychological support, particularly in facing complex challenges after a high-level career. Moreover, career transition requires appropriate support to overcome these obstacles effectively.