Gaël Jean Michel Rivière (born 23 December 1989) is a French 5-a-side footballer who plays as a midfielder, he competed at the 2012 and 2020 Summer Paralympics. He is a Paralympic silver medalist and a double European champion.[1][2]

Gaël Rivière
Personal information
Born (1989-12-23) 23 December 1989 (age 34)
Saint-Benoit, Reunion
Sport
Sport5-a-side football
Medal record
Representing  France
Paralympic Games
Silver medal – second place 2012 London Men's tournament
IBSA European Championships
Gold medal – first place 2009 Nantes Men's tournament
Gold medal – first place 2022 Pescara Men's tournament
Silver medal – second place 2019 Rome Men's tournament
Bronze medal – third place 2008 Malaga Men's tournament

Personal life

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Rivière was born blind on the island of Réunion, he lived there until he was 15 years old then moved to Paris to further his education and become a lawyer at Paris-Panthéon-Assas University. While growing up, he was inspired by Les Bleus at the 1998 FIFA World Cup, he had a football in a plastic bag so that he could hear the ball while he played.[3][4]

References

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  1. ^ "Gael Riviere - France Paralympique (in French)". France Paralympique. 7 July 2024.
  2. ^ "Gael Riviere - IPC Profile". International Paralympic Committee. 7 July 2024.
  3. ^ "Gael Riviere - Bleus Handisport (in French)". Bleus Handisport. 7 July 2024.
  4. ^ "A Student in the Spotlight (in French)". Pantheon-Assas University. 7 July 2024.