He was in the Blues’ Swedish campaign in 1958, alongside the legendary Raymond Kopa and Just Fontaine. This Sunday, Bernard Chiarelli died at the age of 90. And it is a whole part of the history of the France team which today threatens to collapse.
If he had not had the opportunity to play during this 1958 World Cup won by the Brazil of a certain Pelé – at a time when substitutions were not yet authorized – the native Valenciennes was indeed this first glorious journey for the Blues, who have never before reached the last four.
An intimate from Just Fontaine
Spent in his career by VA, Lens, Lille, Sedan and Le Havre, for a professional record of 383 matches and no less than 58 goals scored, the former midfielder remained very close to Just Fontaine who left in March 2023 “. We saw each other every year. Justo was so generous… », he whispered to L’Equipe when the latter died last year.
Bernard Chiarelli thus leaves Robert Mouynet as the last survivor of this legendary 1958 France team. Aged 94, the former Lyonnais appeared at Groupama Stadium last spring, then invited by OL.
