L'Équipe photographer Stéphane Mantey: A journey through the World Cup lens
L'Équipe photographer Stéphane Mantey shares his experiences covering his fifth World Cup, blending professional insights with observations of American life.
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Stéphane Mantey, a veteran photographer for the French newspaper L'Équipe, is covering his fifth World Cup this year. His career spans distinct eras: from the days of analog film at the 1994 World Cup in the USA to the instantaneous digital workflows of today. In his travel diary, he captures not just the football action, but the broader American context of the tournament.
For Mantey, this tournament is personal, highlighting how much has changed over thirty-two years. In 1994, getting photos back to Paris involved finding travelers at airports to hand-carry film envelopes. Today, photos taken pitch-side reach the newsroom in seconds, and global connectivity has transformed the experience of traveling for work.
During his assignments in Houston and Philadelphia, Mantey focuses on the details that define the tournament atmosphere, from interactions with FIFA volunteers to the vibrancy of local fan culture. His use of remote-controlled cameras installed behind the goals allows him to capture unique, ground-level perspectives that bring the action closer to the reader.
«Photography is a quest for light, time, and emotion, with the conviction that the most beautiful image is often born from patience and observation rather than technique alone.» Stéphane Mantey
Mantey emphasizes that the travel experience is inseparable from the work. From the legendary street basketball courts in New York to the everyday quirks of American life, his notes provide a window into a culture currently vibrating to the rhythm of a major football event.