Neal Maupay: Embracing English Sporting Culture and Darts Celebrations

After spending seven years in England, French footballer Neal Maupay has clearly embraced the country’s sporting culture. Known for his confident and occasionally provocative on-field demeanor, Maupay recently showcased his affinity for English sports traditions during Marseille’s 5-1 victory over Le Havre.

Celebrating his first goal of the year, Maupay performed a darts-inspired celebration, joined enthusiastically by his teammates. This gesture was a nod to the recent 2025 World Darts Championships, where 17-year-old Luke Littler made history as the youngest world champion.

When asked about his interest in darts, Maupay enthusiastically responded, “Of course I watched the entire tournament! In England, it’s part of the culture. You simply must watch it – the atmosphere is incredible.”

Interestingly, Maupay’s darts celebration has a controversial history. Last season, while playing for Brentford, he mimicked the celebration after scoring against Tottenham Hotspur. This led to a heated exchange with James Maddison, who claimed ownership of the gesture. The dispute continued post-match, with Maddison criticizing Maupay’s goal-scoring record, and Maupay retorting with a comparison of their career achievements.

Despite the past controversy, Maupay’s recent celebration at Marseille demonstrates his ongoing appreciation for English sporting traditions, even as he continues his career in France.