Haewegene out to follow in footsteps of hero Zidane

• New Caledonia primed to compete at FIFA World Cup Play-Off Tournament

• Striker Germain Haewegene discusses Les Cagous' qualification chances

• He also reveals deep admiration for France legend Zinedine Zidane

Few dates loom larger in French football history than 9 July 2006. On that night in Berlin – in a FIFA World Cup™ final, no less – Zinedine Zidane produced a couple of iconic moments, including a nonchalant Panenka past Italy’s goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon. The breathtaking audacity of France’s talisman in such a high-stakes showdown sent shockwaves around the world.

Almost 10,000 miles from the German capital, nine-year-old Germain Haewegene watched on, spellbound by Zizou’s brilliance, even as the subsequently sent-off midfielder’s side ultimately succumbed to the Azzurri 5-3 on penalties following a 1-1 stalemate after extra time. When asked about his standout memory from the global showpiece, Haewegene’s mind still turns first to his idol’s deft touch from the penalty spot.

“It has to be Zidane’s Panenka from 2006,” he revealed. “I was at school, but we didn’t have any classes that day because of the final. We were obviously bitterly disappointed that France lost, but their triumph in 2018 finally gave us a taste of the joy the tournament can bring.”

Given New Caledonia’s special ties to France, many islanders are devoted followers of Les Bleus, but Les Cagous have also been carving out their own place in the game.

Today, New Caledonia stand on the brink of another historic chapter as they gear up for the FIFA World Cup Play-Off Tournament in Mexico. New Caledonia will face Jamaica in semi-final on 26 March, with winner progressing to take on Congo DR for a place at World Cup 2026.

“Now we know that we’re just two matches – two 90-minute games – away from the World Cup," said Haewegene. "To have my name woven into that story would be incredible. I’ve been living out a fairy tale ever since I became a professional footballer, but that would be another dream come true. That said, for me, making the play-offs is a huge achievement in itself. I watched the play-off draw, which featured [New Caledonia-born Christian] Karembeu, live and it was a great experience.”

This year will linger long in Haewegene’s memory for several reasons. As the 29-year-old points out, he recently signed his first professional contract with Tahiti United, a relatively new club that belongs to the OFC Pro League.

“There’s no New Caledonian team in the Pro League due to a lack of funding,” explained the attacker. Yet, a call from coach Samuel Garcia offered him an unexpected first foray into the professional game. Haewegen added: “I originally intended to finish the season with Mulhouse in the fifth tier of French football, but a few factors ultimately tipped the balance in favour of moving to Tahiti United, especially because I feel so at home in Tahiti – we’re all part of the Pacific Islands family.”

With at least six months at the Tahitian club alongside his international team-mate Joseph Athale on the horizon, the striker could scarcely have imagined a better springboard ahead of the play-offs that await him with the national team.

“New Zealand is really leading the way in the Pacific region. Playing against clubs from that country and Australia is a source of motivation for us. We normally only experience that standard of football with the national team, but this league delivers that kind of challenge twice a week.”

Turning professional at nearly 30 was no small consideration, even for a New Caledonian international who already had a wealth of experience under his belt, particularly on a personal level.

“I’ve competed as a track-and-field athlete, and I’m a qualified coach for people with disabilities,” he explained. “When I was involved in French Para sport, I ran as a guide with a blind person. We took part in the French championships, several international meetings and the European Championships.”

Although Haewegene is no stranger to crossing continents for top competitions, the one that lies ahead in Mexico with his national team could prove particularly memorable.

“We’re heading to play in a big stadium in Guadalajara – a major city that has already hosted the World Cup,” the centre-forward added, with wonder written all over his face. “It’s also going to be a venue for the tournament this time around, so in my mind we’re already part of it. That’s just my humble opinion as an amateur!”

Having momentarily forgotten his new status as a professional, Haewegene has a particular ambition in mind if Johann Sidaner’s men successfully dispatch Jamaica and then Congo DR to play on the world’s biggest stage.

“I know we’re in the era of Cristiano Ronaldo and [Lionel] Messi, but, for me, nothing would compare to meeting Zinedine Zidane face to face.”

Zidane’s plans for the tournament in June and July remain unknown. What is certain, however, is that when the 1998 world champion converted his Panenka in 2006, the idea that New Caledonia would be within touching distance of the World Cup 20 years later seemed unthinkable.

The good news for Haewegene is that, in football, even the most unlikely encounters are always possible.