The Paris Musketeers launched their 2025 European League of Football season on Saturday, May 17, hosting the reigning champions, Rhein Fire, at their new home, Stade Robert Bobin. The day's excitement began early, with gates opening at 4:00 PM CEST for a vibrant pregame party featuring live DJ sets, cheerleader performances, interactive games like cornhole and XXL beer pong, and a variety of food trucks, including the exclusive MELT BBQ experience. The game marked the debut of head coach Jack Del Rio, bringing fresh leadership to the team and offering a first look at the new roster in action. In a hard-fought and closely contested matchup, the Musketeers came up just short, falling 15–17 to Rhein Fire in a game defined by strong defense and missed red zone opportunities.
The Paris Musketeers opened the game with a strong, run-heavy drive that set the tone early. Quarterback Jaylon Henderson led a composed and balanced offense, mixing solid runs through the middle with short passes, including a screen to Austin Mitchell and a couple of well-timed quarterback keepers. Paris consistently moved the chains and looked sharp in execution, but a sack and an incomplete pass in the red zone stalled the drive. Kicker Mathys Dupont capped the nearly seven-minute possession with a field goal to give the Musketeers an early 3–0 lead.
Rhein Fire responded promptly. Quarterback Chad Jeffries showcased his mobility and experience, leading an efficient drive that included several key completions and a big run down to the six-yard line. He eventually finished the drive himself with a rushing touchdown — his first with the team — putting Rhein Fire ahead 7–3. Paris’ next offensive series showed promise but was derailed by penalties and a high snap on the punt, giving Rhein Fire excellent field position. However, the Paris defense held firm, forcing a punt after a personal foul and nearly grabbing an interception. Special teams on both sides struggled with execution, leaving plenty of room for improvement going forward.
Paris opened the second quarter with another promising drive, once again leaning heavily on the run game. Nicolas Khandar continued to impress with powerful carries, while Chris Voumbo picked up key yards to keep the chains moving. The Musketeers reached the red zone thanks in part to a face mask penalty against Rhein Fire, but just like in the first quarter, the drive stalled inside the 10-yard line. Under pressure, Henderson was forced into a rushed throw on third down, and Paris had to settle for another field goal. Mathys Dupont was reliable once again, bringing the score to 6–7.
Rhein Fire struggled to respond, as Paris’ defense stepped up with a strong three-and-out series, applying consistent pressure on Chad Jeffries. However, the Musketeers’ offense couldn’t capitalize, going three-and-out themselves after Henderson was sacked on third down. The remainder of the quarter was largely shaped by both defenses, who tightened up and kept explosive plays to a minimum. Late in the half, Jeffries led a late push with a couple of scrambles that put Rhein Fire in scoring range. Although the Paris defense held strong near the goal line, Rhein Fire converted a short field goal in the final seconds of the half to take a 10–6 lead into the break.
The second half began with both defenses continuing to control the game. Paris remained committed to the ground game, with Nicolas Khandar and Jaylon Henderson consistently finding space through the middle. A long, time-consuming drive saw the Musketeers power their way deep into Rhein Fire territory, but once again, the visitors held strong in the red zone. Paris had to settle for a third field goal, cutting the lead to 9–10. Rhein Fire responded with a composed drive of their own, capped off by a short rushing touchdown from Justin Schlesinger, extending their lead to 17–9 heading into the final quarter.
Down by eight, the Musketeers responded with urgency. A strong return — though pulled back by a penalty — and a series of precise plays brought Paris downfield quickly. Henderson then connected with wide receiver Hugo Tekedam in a tight window for the team's first touchdown of the game. The two-point conversion attempt failed under heavy pressure, keeping the score at 15–17. Both teams traded defensive stops through the closing minutes, with Paris getting the ball back just before the two-minute warning. Henderson kept the drive alive with a spectacular run, but back-to-back sacks pushed the offense out of scoring range. With time running out, a final pass attempt over the middle was intercepted by Rhein Fire, sealing a narrow 17–15 defeat for the Musketeers in their season opener.
