The Crossbar: Oriane Jean-François

Oriane Jean-François is one of the hottest talents in the WSL. Originally signing for European giants Chelsea from PSG at the age of 22, her rapid rise has been curtailed somewhat by injury. However, since her midseason move to Aston Villa, the French Guyanese native is rediscovering the form that has made her a standout defensive midfielder. 

Having already been called up to the French national team, Jean-François has ambitions to be a driving force from a deep lying position at next year’s World Cup, as well as breathe new life into an Aston Villa side striving for European football next season. As part of Mixtape Madness’s The Crossbar series, we talk to Oriane about football, her faith, and the role that music plays in her sporting career.

Who inspired you to get into football growing up?

I wouldn’t say I have someone who I looked up to, honestly, but I used to love watching Ngolo Kante when he was at Chelsea or with the French team. He has a profile that is close to mine – the way you press, run, defend, and give everything for the team so they have freedom on the offensive part of the game. 

I grew up watching the French national team so obviously I also loved Paul Pogba. He’s one of the best over the last ten years and one of the most creative. I wasn’t around for the 1998 World Cup win but the 2018 team was big for me. It was a great summer with a lot of celebrations.

How are you enjoying your time in the WSL and what is the relationship like with your new coach, Natalia Arroyo?

The league is so competitive. There are a lot of good players here and even more coming into the WSL. It’s a nice feeling playing every weekend and not knowing who is going to win or lose because there is talent on every team. That’s what makes it enjoyable.

I think the relationship with Natalia is based on trust and confidence. I have a lot of respect for her and she’s been very supportive. She’s done everything she can to make me feel right in this new situation. It’s always difficult coming into a new group halfway through the season but everyone has been supportive and kind to me.

Across your career, who are the best players you have played with and against?

With? I would say Lauren James. She is a special one. She can do anything she wants with the ball. She is that player and you definitely want her on your team rather than against you. 

Against is probably Mariona Caldentey. She is difficult because of her ability with the ball at her feet. She has a lot of movement and can play passes and see spaces that a lot of other players couldn’t. 

Oriane’s song picks:

TKandz – Now or Never

I like UK rap and also like listening to Central Cee as well. I think when I first listened to this song it was more about the beat. Even if you don’t understand the lyrics, the beat gets you into it. When you try to listen and understand all the lyrics, it feels like part of my mentality.  If you want something, you just have to go and fight for it, work hard for it. Do everything you can daily and make sure you put everything you can to reach your goals.

I’d listen to this if I have a big game coming up or even before hard training. Sometimes you have days when it’s harder to wake up and go for it, but it’s all about consistency and being disciplined. You need to make sure to stick to your plan and do whatever’s needed to reach success.

Etana – I Rise

Where I’m from, we have a lot of Caribbean influence, so rhythm and Reggae has always been with me since I was younger. I also like the lyrics for their positivity and the song really says it all. Even though I’m only 25, I feel like I’ve lived four or five chapters already. I’ve had bad injuries and missed out on the 2023 World Cup because of them. 

I think songs like this remind you that even though hard times are not fun to live through, there is always sun after the storm. I like when lyrics are meaningful and when you can identify yourself with music, it makes it stronger. Sometimes it’s hard to put your emotions into words but music can do that for you.

Rickman G-Crew – Je Suis Un Boni 

This is a traditional song from my hometown.  I like it because I believe that when you know where you are, where you are from, you know where you’re going. Sometimes this kind of music makes me feel like I’m home, or reminds me of something about home. In this song, he speaks about when it’s been a long time he just goes back home and shares good moments with his loved ones.

I’m from French Guyana in South America. I had to go to France when I was 15 to try and make it as a footballer. I was 11 years old when I knew I had a chance of being a footballer, but I was only playing with boys so I had to move to take the next step in my career. The culture is so much different in France than French Guyana, so I was not scared to make the move from France to England. I had already gone away from home, without my family, without my parents. This song is grounding for me and reminds me of home.

Meryl – Beni

This song is in Creole and the artist is from Martinique. She speaks about religion and about being under the protection of God. God is always alongside you and if anything happens to you, he will always be with you. I’m from a religious family. 

I think God exists. I think there is something above us, and I trust that being a good person, more than being a good footballer, is what is important. This is the way I want to live, the way I want to share good times with people, and be nice to people. When I had my injury issues, you have faith that there is something after and everything happens for a reason.

Blacko – Accroché á mes rêves

This is all about believing in your dreams. As I was saying earlier, make sure you do everything that you can control to make sure something happens. I think that sums up my mentality. It has already got me to the French national team and the WSL. I want to be playing European football with Aston Villa and that should be our aim next season. 

We also have the World Cup next summer so that is something I’m looking forward to. I don’t make a difference between playing for Aston Villa and the French national team, because for me, it’s always important to fight for the badge. Every time I step onto the pitch I give everything so I can have no regrets after■