The coach who chose players by horoscope? France's unusual 2006 World History

To this day, many find it difficult to understand how the Frenchman stood at the top of “Les Bleus” from 2004 to 2010.

The problem was not just the results or management of the team. Domenech became famous for his controvers personality and, above all, for his extraordinary interest in astrology.

One of the most famous stories still accompanying the former French coach is the claim that he refused to include in national football players born on the Scorpion sign.

He had even helped “The Topchies” reach the final of the Champions League.

Despite its shape, Pierce did not receive an invitation to the World. French media speculated that the reason was related to Domenech's belief that footballers born in the Scorpion sign did not adapt to the national team.

Interestingly, no player born under this sign was found on the French World team for 2006.

Doubts, Rumors, and Conflicts

There were also rumours that Pierce had a relationship with Domenech's partner, journalist Estelle Dennis. The claims were never confirmed.

A similar situation happened to Ludovic Giuli. Barcelona's midfielder was left out of the final list, despite the repeated promise of a team seat, Telegrafi reports. Periscope.

According to Giuli, the relationship with Domenech cooled after he accepted an invitation for coffee from Estelle Dennis, who had sent him a recording of a television show he had been invited to.

"Domenech told me there was no problem, but then he didn't bring me together for the World Cup. It's been 20 years, and I still don't know the real reason", Giully later declared.

Did astrology really influence his decisions?

Domenech has never withheld interest in astrology. In addition, he studied graphology, the practice that he claims to analyze man's character through the handwriting.

The coach insisted that astrology was used, not to select players, but to better understand their personality.

"Astrology helped me to understand people's character. I didn't use it to predict the future or pick players for the French national", he explained.

However, his statements often fuelled controversy. He saw the Scorpion sign as problematic, impulsive, and difficult to manage. On the contrary, he had a special assessment of the Lions.

In a statement that even made a fuss, Domenech said:

When I have a Lion in defense, I always carry a gun ready, because I know that at some point they'll want to be heroic and that might cost us".

At the beginning of 2006, he went further:

Never use more than one Scorpion in the field, because two Scorpions will destroy each other"

Former players confirmed his obsession.

In 2025, formerback Philip Mexes said Domenech was serious about astrology.

I never liked it. A lover doesn't play with the Scorpion, the Scorpion doesn't play with Demi... This isn't football, it's theater. I think he really believes in these things and that's weird", Mexes said.

Robert Pierce also later inaugurated his former trainer:

"As for astrology, he was obsessed with it. He said he couldn't have a Scorpion on the team while I'm the Scorpion. Maybe that was the perfect reason to leave me out of".

A Mystery Never Solved

Even today, there is no final proof that astrology has directly influenced Raymond Domenech's selections.

However, the fact remains interesting: France of 2006 reached the World Cup final, while there was no footballer born in the Scorpion sign on the team. /Periscope