Hull City midfielder Jean Michael Seri said his role in Ivory Coast's Africa Cup of Nations success has even caught the imagination of his young family.
The 32-year-old returned from the Ivorians' success on home soil, the first host nation triumph since Egypt in 2006, to fanfare from team-mates.
Fans have celebrated on his native country's streets, but the reception back at home has been equally special.
"I have children aged 10, eight and five," he told BBC Look North.
"Even my daughter who's five knows about it. She said: 'Daddy, you're a champion!