Alexsandro cries after Toulouse-Lille: “a special match”

Lille kicked off matchday three with a hard-fought 1-0 win at Toulouse, but the ending carried something heavier. After the final whistle, Alexsandro was visibly moved, in tears, as he replayed a very specific memory from nearly a year ago.

A year later, same opponent

The Brazilian defender started the game under Davide Ancelotti, and, as he explained in the mixed zone, it felt “a special match” because it wasn’t the exact day—yet it was the same month against the same team where he got injured last year. RMC Sport highlights how that timing brought the emotion flooding back.

The injury he referenced happened on September 14, 2025 versus Toulouse, when he suffered a serious right quadriceps problem. It kept him out for several months, and during his long recovery he even visited the renowned Aspetar clinic in Doha. He returned in January, but never fully regained his place in the squad, and he was not picked for the 2026 World Cup with Brazil after earning his first cap in June 2025.

“I cried a bit at the end”

“C’était dur… but we won at the end. I got my level back thanks to the whole team and everyone at the club… so I cried a little,” he added. On the pitch, Toulouse had the better of the chances with 24 shots (10 on target), yet Lille made the difference through Ayase Ueda, scoring in the 73rd minute.

With this 1-0, Lille move provisionally top while the rest of matchday three is still to be played. Next up is Betis on Tuesday, the first match of the Champions League league phase.