Abdelatif Benazzi has just experienced an exceptional week. On 17 September 2026, the former France captain received the insignia of Commander of the National Order of Merit from Emmanuel Macron, during a ceremony held at the Élysée Palace.
This honour came only a few days after another major recognition. World Rugby announced that he would be inducted into its Hall of Fame, making him the 182nd member of this institution dedicated to the great figures of world rugby.
Abdelatif Benazzi, a child of Oujda in the spotlight
Before becoming one of the iconic figures of French rugby, Abdelatif Benazzi grew up in Oujda, in eastern Morocco.
At 18, his performances with the Moroccan junior team attracted attention during a tour in Europe. In 1988, he joined Cahors, before continuing his sporting journey in France. World Rugby recalls that this move marked the beginning of a career that would quickly take him to the very highest level.
His time at SU Agen would deeply shape his trajectory. He wore the club’s jersey for twelve seasons, from 1989 to 2001, becoming one of the emblematic players at the Armandie stadium.
78 caps with the French national team
In 1990, Abdelatif Benazzi made his debut for France against Australia.
He gradually established himself as a key leader of the French national team. Between 1990 and 2001, he earned 78 caps and scored 12 tries. He also captained the side on 15 occasions.
In 1997, he notably led Les Bleus to the Grand Slam in the Five Nations Championship. He also took part in three Rugby World Cups, in 1991, 1995 and 1999.
His international career is also associated with one of the most historic moments in French rugby. In 1994, he was on the field for France’s famous victory over New Zealand in Auckland, during the legendary try scored by Jean-Luc Sadourny.
A career that goes beyond the pitch
After retiring as a player, Abdelatif Benazzi remained deeply involved in rugby.
He became vice-president of the French Rugby Federation, responsible in particular for international relations. He also joined the World Rugby Council and contributes to work on the development of elite rugby.
This new chapter extends a journey that began in Morocco and was largely built in France.
From promotion to Commander to the presentation of the insignia
The French honour itself does not date from September 2026.
A decree published in the Official Journal on 3 December 2025 promoted Abdelatif Benazzi to the rank of Commander of the National Order of Merit. He had previously been appointed Officer in 2009.
On 17 September 2026, Emmanuel Macron formally presented him with the insignia at the Élysée Palace. The ceremony gave a solemn dimension to a distinction announced several months earlier.
Two major honours within days
The timing is highly symbolic.
Just days before the Élysée ceremony, World Rugby announced that Abdelatif Benazzi was among the members of its 2026 Hall of Fame class. He became the 182nd member of the institution since its creation in 2006.
World Rugby highlights in particular his 78 caps, his role as captain and his current commitment within the international rugby governing bodies.
At 58, the former player is continuing his journey in a new capacity. From the pitches of Oujda and Agen to the corridors of world rugby’s institutions, and now the reception rooms of the Élysée, his path reflects a career built over several decades and across two countries.
A Franco-Moroccan trajectory
Abdelatif Benazzi thus remains a leading figure of French rugby while keeping a story that is closely and personally linked to Morocco.
His journey began in Oujda before taking him to Cahors, Agen, and then to the French national team. Today, his responsibilities within international rugby bodies extend that trajectory. A sporting story that connects Morocco, France and the global rugby community.
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