France star Gignac praises San Lorenzo fans despite heavy defeat

Former France international André‑Pierre Gignac watched San Lorenzo lose 3-0 to Defensa y Justicia in Florencio Varela on Saturday, yet he left the stadium impressed by the Argentine side’s vocal supporters.

Gignac’s impressions of the crowd

The 40‑year‑old striker, now a free agent after ending a golden spell with Tigres de México, said the blue‑and‑white fans “sang well today” despite the heavy defeat. He noted that San Lorenzo created early chances, only to see two goals disallowed, and praised the local team’s superiority.

Career highlights recalled

Gignac reflected on his own journey, recalling his first encounter with San Lorenzo’s passion through former teammate Mauro Cetto, who helped the club win the 2014 Copa Libertadores. “I met the fans through Mauro Cetto when they won the Libertadores. The stadium was incredible,” he remembered.

He added that witnessing the same fervour from the Defensa y Justicia stand reinforced his admiration for the club’s supporters, even as the match ended in a rout.

Statistical legacy

Born on 5 December 1985, Gignac’s career spanned Lorient, Pau FC, Toulouse and Olympique de Marseille before his move to Tigres in 2010. He amassed 790 club appearances and 360 goals, and earned 36 caps for the France national team, scoring seven times. He featured at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and was a runner‑up at Euro 2016.

Having left Tigres in 2026 as the club’s all‑time top scorer, Gignac is currently touring Argentine stadiums, with the Varela visit marking his latest stop.

While San Lorenzo’s defeat was decisive, Gignac’s comments highlight the enduring bond between the French forward and the Argentine fanbase, underscoring how passion can transcend results.