Antoine Dupont is no longer just a rugby player. He’s a global phenomenon.

From rubbing shoulders with sports legends like Lionel Messi and LeBron James to starring at Paris Fashion Week, Dupont is redefining what it means to be a rugby superstar.

As France gears up for the 2025 Six Nations, Dupont’s rise to fame continues.

But despite his impressive achievements, the 28-year-old Toulouse scrum-half insists there’s still more to come.

“I can get better, for sure,” he shared in a recent interview with Mail Sport.

“There’s always something to improve – my skills, my defense, my leadership.

I’m still young, and there’s space to grow.”

Ambitious Goals Beyond the Six Nations

Dupont’s drive goes far beyond the Six Nations.

While he’s eager to lead France to victory in this year’s tournament, he’s also aiming for more.

“I want to win the Top 14 and the Champions Cup again,” he said.

Playing for Toulouse, the world’s top club team, keeps him in an environment that constantly pushes him to improve.

But it’s not just about rugby.

Dupont values his life off the field too, taking time to explore art, culture, and travel.

However, he remains grounded in the fact that these experiences are made possible because of his success on the rugby pitch.

“I think I have a good balance right now. I need to keep doing that,” he added.

Dupont: More Than Just Rugby

While South Africa’s Pieter-Steph du Toit holds the official title of the world’s best player, Dupont’s influence extends far beyond the rugby world.

Last summer, he trained with the French Olympic team and played a pivotal role in bringing rugby to the forefront of Olympic discussions.

Some already consider him the greatest player to ever grace the sport, surpassing icons like Jonah Lomu and Dan Carter.

Dupont, however, doesn’t pay much attention to such praise.

“I try not to give importance to the comments,” he said. “When I stop, I’ll look back at what I’ve done.”

A Rising Star in the Business World

Dupont’s star power has also led to lucrative sponsorship deals, including partnerships with big names like Airbnb and Volvic.

His total earnings exceed £1 million annually, thanks to his successful rugby career and these endorsements.

His global appeal is crucial for the sport, especially as rugby works to expand its audience worldwide.

In addition to brand partnerships, Dupont has made waves in the US, meeting sports legends like Messi and LeBron James.

Last year, photos of his meeting with Messi in Miami, along with an adidas collaboration, quickly went viral.

Dupont’s growing fame helps bring rugby to new corners of the globe, even as the sport’s presence in places like the US remains niche.

The Dual Sport Challenge

Dupont’s versatility was on full display last year when he made the switch between sevens and 15-a-side rugby.

His skills made the transition seamless – his speed, strength, and ability to make split-second decisions all shone in the shorter form of the game.

“I try to be good in every area,” he said. “Even if I play scrum-half, I like to carry the ball.

I like to defend. I like to contest the ball. I like to kick.”

His success wasn’t just on the rugby field either.

After clinching an Olympic gold medal, Dupont received France’s highest honor, the Legion d’Honneur, from President Emmanuel Macron.

A Humble Superstar

Despite his fame, Dupont has managed to keep his personal life largely private, evading the media frenzy that often surrounds such high-profile athletes.

He remains grounded, focusing on his family, friends, and the moments that allow him to recharge.

“Every time I have two or three days off, I try to move away from Toulouse and France, if I can and have enough time,” he said.

“It’s allowed me to have a full battery when I come back.”

The Road to Six Nations Glory

As the Six Nations kicks off this week, Dupont will once again lead France, who are tipped as one of the favorites to take home the championship title.

With a challenging schedule, including away games in Dublin and Twickenham, Dupont knows the road to victory won’t be easy.

However, he’s confident that France’s potential is more than enough to face these challenges head-on.

“It’s a long competition. We have to be consistent for six weeks,” Dupont said.

“But I think we have the potential to face that. It will be a very exciting tournament.”

This year, Dupont is focused on bringing home a Six Nations title and further cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players to ever play the game.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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