The writer Michel Houellebecq and the 23 players, holders and substitutes, of the France team world champion of football are part of the January 1st promotion of the Legion of Honor, which also distinguishes many police and firefighters.
402 people in total . "This promotion brings together a total of 402 people divided exactly between men and women between 345 knights, 42 officers, 9 commanders, 4 senior officers and two grand'Croix," said the Grand Chancery of the Legion of Honor in a statement.
A "special promotion" for the world champions . The players of the French football team, all knights, enjoy a "special promotion" and have been distinguished for "exceptional services clearly characterized". In 1998, during their previous victory in the World Cup, the Legion of Honor was also awarded to the players of the French team as well as the presidents of the Federation and the National Football League and the coach.
Two great researchers cross. The historian and sinologist Marie-Claire Bergère, 85 years old and the Franco-German political scientist Alfred Grosser, 93 years old are the two personalities raised to the dignity of Grand'Croix for their contribution to the "radiation of France".
Houellebecq named knight . French writer among the best known and translated abroad, Michel Houellebecq, whose book Sérotonine will be the book-event of the return of literary January, is named knight. The poet and academician Rene de Obaldia, 100 years, is promoted to him commander. The actress Nathalie Baye is promoted officer while Ludmila Mikaël and Michèle Laroque are named knights with the journalist Stéphane Bern, promoter of the lotto of the inheritance.
A distinguished everyday hero . The promotion of January 1st also distinguishes Marin Sauvageon, a young student savagely beaten up in November 2016 in Lyon after intervening against individuals who blamed a couple for kissing in the street. The young man was appointed knight for "distinctly characterized exceptional services".