Oualid El Hajjam: ‘Football remains secondary’ after Gironde wildfire evacuation

Girondins Bordeaux defender Oualid El Hajjam says football has become a secondary concern after he was forced to leave his home as devastating wildfires spread through France’s Gironde region.

The 35-year-old right-back was evacuated on Friday night as firefighters battled fires that have destroyed more than 42,000 hectares of forest since 22 July. Dozens of firefighters have also been injured while working to control the flames.

El Hajjam said experiencing the disaster first-hand was far more intense than watching the scenes on television.

“Right now, what’s happening is very striking. Experiencing it firsthand is always different from what you see on TV. When you’re woken up at one in the morning to be evacuated , when you have to abandon everything and take only the essentials, without knowing if the situation will worsen, it’s inevitably very trying.

That said, as long as health isn’t at risk and the damage remains material, it’s not a disaster, even if for some it means a lifetime of savings going up in smoke.”

The Bordeaux defender described the atmosphere during the evacuation as something he had never witnessed before, with smoke and ash transforming the surroundings.

“It seemed incredibly close. Waking up from a nap, I discovered a shower of ash in the garden. What struck me was that the sun was barely visible, with a hue I’d never seen before. The sky and the pervasive smell were equally striking and awe-inspiring.”

El Hajjam has since travelled with his family to stay with his parents in Châteauroux while continuing to follow developments in Gironde.

“I was able to go back to see my parents in Châteauroux with my family. It was much easier to find better accommodation and to be safe. But I follow the news daily. We’re watching everything closely.”

He also praised the firefighters working to contain the fires and highlighted the support provided by Bordeaux’s press officer Axelle Allegret, who helped organise emergency arrangements for the players.

“What she accomplished is admirable. Frankly, in some Ligue 1 clubs, things wouldn’t necessarily have gone that way. At one in the morning, in the middle of the night, she found emergency accommodation for all the players.”

The defender said Allegret’s efforts showed commitment beyond professional responsibilities.

“She could very well have left us to fend for ourselves, rather than picking up her phone and calling each of us in the middle of the night. She did it with heart, and it’s heartwarming to see people so dedicated.”

The fires have also disrupted Bordeaux’s preparations, with players receiving individual training programmes while trying to maintain their fitness during a difficult period.

“First and foremost, the club asked us to take care of our loved ones and our health. Otherwise, the physical trainer has put together a program.”

Most of the squad members have left the affected area and remain in contact with each other, with El Hajjam believing the experience could strengthen their bond.

“Yes, most of them have gone home. Some have even gone to Paris, others have joined their families. We keep in regular contact with each other. I think this experience can only bring us closer together.”

The players have also helped residents affected by the fires, including assisting elderly people during evacuations.

“Everyone did what they could while they were still there, especially helping to evacuate the elderly.”

El Hajjam admitted that the recent challenges surrounding Bordeaux, including their administrative demotion, have created a difficult period for the squad.

“It’s a heavy burden. There’s something unconsciously working in our minds, but it has to make us stronger.”

However, he believes the team must remain united as they face uncertainty.

“Being patient together, making a collective effort, allows us to support and strengthen each other.”

For El Hajjam, the scale of the wildfire disaster has placed football matters into perspective.

“Exactly. We try to train as best we can, but it’s secondary compared to a fire like this. We think first about our health, and then about football. Everything eventually falls back into place.”