Newly crowned European Team Champion is France. In the final of the men’s event at the European Team Championships 2025 in Zadar, the Olympic bronze medallists overcame Romania 3–0 to capture their first European team title in 27 years. After finishing third in Malmö 2023, France went two steps higher on the podium to reclaim continental glory.
In a dazzling display of power and precision, Alexis LEBRUN, Félix LEBRUN, and Simon GAUZY defeated Iulian CHIRITA, Eduard IONESCU, and Ovidiu IONESCU in straight matches.
Félix LEBRUN summarised the triumph simply:
“It was just a perfect match! We enjoyed every moment of this championship, and to win the gold is the perfect ending.”
His brother Alexis LEBRUN added:
“It’s crazy, European Champion! It’s unbelievable. We have such a great team, and it’s an incredible feeling to share this together. I’m just so happy to be part of this amazing team. We are European Champions, it’s just amazing!”
When asked about their toughest opponents, Alexis didn’t hesitate:
“Germany, I think. They have a very strong team, and it was a tough match, but we managed it well. I think we played a great tournament overall, everything went perfectly.”
The team’s most experienced member, Simon GAUZY, reflected on the historic moment:
“After so many years, to be European champions again in a team event feels amazing. I’m just really, really happy right now. Of course, Romania did a great job reaching the final, but definitely, Germany was the toughest team to beat. Still, we played a perfect tournament from beginning to end, we can only be proud.”
France’s golden triumph in Zadar marks their fourth European team title, following previous victories in 1984, 1994, and 1998. They have also finished as runners-up twice (1986, 1996) and collected six bronze medals (2002, 2010, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2023).
For the first time in history, Romania’s men’s team advanced to the final, surpassing their previous best of three bronze medals (2005, 2007, 2009).
Their remarkable run, highlighted by victories over Sweden and Slovenia, showcased the rise of a new generation led by Iulian CHIRITA, Eduard IONESCU, and Ovidiu IONESCU.
Germany and Slovenia Share Bronze
Germany secured the bronze medal after their narrow semi-final loss to eventual champions France.
The team of Benedikt DUDA, Patrick FRANZISKA, Dang QIU, André BERTELSMEIER, and Ricardo WALTHER finished one step lower than their silver result in Malmö 2023.
It is only the third time this century that Germany has not reached the final (previously in 2000 and 2005). Since their first European team title in 2007, Germany have been a dominant force, reaching 12 consecutive finals, an unmatched record in the competition’s history.
Over the decades, Germany have earned: 9 gold medals – 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2017, 2019, 2021; 7 silver medals – 1980, 1990, 2002, 2003, 2014, 2015, 2023; 3 bronze medals – 1962, 1992, 1994.
Slovenia joined Germany on the third step of the podium, celebrating their second-ever team medal, after their historic bronze in 2017.
Their line-up featured Darko JORGIC, Deni KOZUL, Brin VOVK PETROVSKI, Peter HRIBAR, and Bojan TOKIC, marking another milestone in Slovenian table tennis history.
Final – Men’s Team Event
France – Romania 3–0
- Alexis LEBRUN – Iulian CHIRITA 3–0 (11–2, 11–6, 11–7)
- Félix LEBRUN – Eduard IONESCU 3–1 (11–3, 9–11, 11–5, 11–4)
- Simon GAUZY – Ovidiu IONESCU 3–1 (11–9, 11–9, 3–11, 11–3)
