We’re here live from the cafeteria, for the announcement of the BeLibre world soccer champion!

Last week, the international soccer federation showed us once again how awards work these days. After the big boss felt slighted, FIFA pulled a few feathers out of its ass and delivered them with a deep bow. They created the brand new “FIFA Peace Prize,” specially awarded during the 2026 World Cup draw.

So if they can make up awards, we can too. With BeLibre, the small Belgian organization for digital freedom, we’re claiming the honorary title of world soccer champion, and giving it to whoever deserves it.

Because soccer is for everyone, just like free software. The best soccer players are team players - just like open source developers. In the free software community, diplomas and titles mean little. What counts is hard work and taking care of each other. Those are the pillars that can make a soccer team champions. So that’s what we’re honoring tonight.

The BeLibre world champion plays at the renowned Stade Albert Bossart. Of their twelve games in the fourth provincial league, they won one. They scored a total of ten times, and saw the ball end up in their goal 62 times. Their claim to fame? Losing 10-0 and playing through to the end.

They didn’t sell their soul to big sponsors, but they did give their heart to their team. They don’t play for trophies or medals. They play for each other, for their neighborhood, for their town.

A big round of applause for our new world champion: Royal Racing Club de Rance.

Why are you our world champions?

Because you embody what’s important to us: showing up. After an 8-1 loss, you’re back on the field the next week. After 62 goals against, you’re still going all out for every goal.

You share your knowledge and work together. You learn from your mistakes, and honestly… with 62 goals against, there’s something to learn. What you learn isn’t so much how to win, but even more so how to persevere - as a team! Even when every rational voice says: “Give it up.”

That’s also what BeLibre stands for: people who dare to take uncharted paths through trial and error, instead of surrendering everything to the established powers. RRC Rance, you may not play the prettiest soccer, but you play your own game. No diplomatic bows. No groveling before power. Just soccer, week after week, loss after loss, simply because your team is worth it.

No medals, no glory, no TV cameras. Just playing for who really counts: the people they live with.

You didn’t lobby for this, no bribes were handed out or secret promises made. You just keep existing, playing, and refusing to give up.

We know as little about soccer as FIFA knows about peace, so we’re handing out the prize anyway! With great joy and without any consultation, BeLibre announces the very first BeLibre All-Time World Soccer Champion Award to Royal Racing Club de Rance. RRC Rance, no ass feathers for you, but sincere congratulations! You’re true world champions! Keep it up!