Interview with Nicolas François, Media Production
When working onsite at a major sports event, there is no room for “almost.”
Broadcasts go live. Signals must work. Graphics must be ready. Everything and everyone must be perfectly aligned.

For Nicolas, Senior Manager Media Production, that responsibility is both a privilege and a commitment.
“Trust is everything in our role,” he says. “Broadcasters rely on us. When they call with issues, they need to know it will be solved.”
That mindset defines what Diligent means at TEAM: delivering with integrity and accountability, honouring the trust of partners through consistent quality and calm execution.
Born in the Champagne region of France and raised across Vanuatu in the South Pacific Ocean and The Gambia in West Africa, Nicolas’s upbringing was international from the start. Moving between countries taught him adaptability early, alongside an awareness and appreciation of different cultures and communication styles.
His academic path led him into Management, Marketing and later Media and Communication Management, supported by internships with NRJ Group, CNN and MTV. Working behind the scenes in the entertainment world, on the biggest and greatest projects, had always been the ambition.
That ambition crystallised in February 2009 when he secured a role with HBS (host broadcaster for all FIFA World Cups) at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. It was his first immersion into the world of live sports production; a fast-paced, high-stakes environment where preparation and precision matter.
It was also the beginning of a long-standing relationship; he has continued to support HBS at FIFA World Cups every four years, bringing those experiences back into TEAM.
After attending a UEFA Champions League match in his previous role at Canal France International and learning about TEAM’s role in bringing the competitions to life, Nicolas sent a spontaneous application. There was no advertised role, just curiosity and initiative.
Fourteen years later, he remains at TEAM, having progressed through the Media team into his current role as Senior Manager Media Production.
Across cycles, markets and evolving broadcast landscapes, he has supported UEFA’s Media Partners in various territories including France, MENA and sub-Saharan Africa, while also specialising in digital media and match graphics, ensuring media partners have access to the platforms and assets they need to do their jobs. Additionally, he leads the team looking after UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League Broadcast Operations during the season.
What drives him is simple: the landscape never stands still. “Every cycle brings new broadcasters, new technologies, new expectations,” he explains. “You have to stay ahead, without ever dropping the ball.”
As a special project, Nicolas supported at the 2025 Ballon d’Or, widely regarded as football’s most prestigious awards. His involvement was initially limited to preparation: supporting accreditation requests, making content and brand assets available, and onboarding broadcasters. But onsite at the ceremony, recognising where he could add value through his broadcaster relationships, he stepped in and helped with interview coordination. He could have simply enjoyed the evening, but his instinct to ensure everything ran smoothly took him backstage, sleeves rolled up - even using his phone’s flashlight to help a TNT Brazil camera operator finish interviewing Ronaldinho as the lights dimmed before the ceremony.
That same instinct was evident at a UEFA Conference League Final in Athens in 2024. When a broadcaster urgently needed a trophy for an early-morning broadcast, Nicolas personally ensured it was collected and delivered on time - kicking off what would become a 19-hour day at the stadium. For Nicolas, diligence is doing what needs to be done, even when no one is watching.
His impact extends beyond his role. Each year, Nicolas and some of his media production colleagues script and produce a series of entertaining videos for TEAM’s internal end-of-year party. Highly anticipated and impressively creative, the videos are a true highlight of the evening, bringing humour, pride and camaraderie to the entire organisation.
Nicolas describes his leadership style as hands-on and approachable. He believes credibility comes from being willing to step into challenges alongside your team.
Colleagues describe him as proactive and committed, someone who strives for continuous learning opportunities and actively shares knowledge to educate and inspire others.
In December 2025, he was nominated for the TEAM Player Award for embodying the value Diligent. The nomination highlighted how he acts as a trusted advisor to colleagues and external stakeholders, providing reassurance that work will be delivered to the highest standards.
In a business where delivery under pressure defines reputation, individuals like Nicolas ensure that trust is never compromised.

Trust is everything in our role. Broadcasters rely on us. When they call with issues, they need to know it will be solved.
Nicolas François

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