Ali Akbar, Who’s Sold Newspapers on the Streets of Paris for 50 Years, Is Now a Knight

For half a century, Ali Akbar has been a familiar figure on the bustling sidewalks of Paris, calling out headlines and handing newspapers to commuters rushing through metro entrances and café-lined boulevards. Known for his warm smile and unwavering routine, Akbar has spent most of his life behind a modest newspaper stand, becoming part of the city’s daily rhythm. Now, at the age of 72, his quiet dedication has earned him one of France’s highest civilian honors: knighthood in the National Order of Merit.

Akbar arrived in Paris in the early 1970s as a young immigrant seeking work and stability. With limited formal education and little knowledge of French, he found employment selling newspapers near a busy railway station. What began as a temporary job soon became a lifelong vocation. Every morning before dawn, he would set up his stand, neatly arranging national and international papers for a loyal stream of customers that included office workers, students, tourists and even politicians.

Over the decades, Akbar witnessed historic moments unfold through the pages he sold — from the fall of the Berlin Wall to presidential elections, terrorist attacks, and the COVID-19 pandemic. His stand became more than a place to buy news; it became a point of connection. Regular customers stopped to chat with him about world events, local football results, or their personal lives. Many say Akbar knew their schedules better than the train timetables.

“He was always here, rain or shine,” said one longtime customer. “When everything else in the city changed, Ali stayed the same.”

What set Akbar apart was not only his reliability but his kindness. He was known for giving newspapers for free to homeless people and elderly residents who could not afford them. During harsh winters, he kept a thermos of hot tea to share with fellow street vendors. When lockdowns emptied Paris streets during the pandemic, Akbar continued working as long as regulations allowed, believing that access to news was a public service.

Local journalists began writing about him years ago, calling him “the guardian of the headlines.” His story reached city officials, and eventually the Ministry of Culture took notice. Earlier this year, Akbar received a letter informing him that he would be awarded knighthood for “exceptional service to the civic life of Paris.”

The ceremony took place at a modest municipal hall, attended by his family, longtime customers and fellow vendors. Wearing a simple suit, Akbar stood visibly emotional as the medal was pinned to his jacket. In his short speech, he thanked France for giving him a home and dignity through work.

“I never thought selling newspapers could bring me here,” he said. “I just tried to do my job honestly.”

His knighthood has sparked widespread admiration across France. Social media users praised the decision as a reminder that national heroes are not only found in politics or sports but also in everyday life. Editorials described Akbar as a symbol of integration and perseverance, and his newspaper stand has since become a small landmark.

Despite the honor, Akbar says he has no plans to retire immediately. He still wakes up early and goes to the same corner where he has stood for 50 years. The medal now rests beside the cash register, next to stacks of freshly printed newspapers.

“In this job, you learn that every day brings a new story,” he said with a smile. “Mine just happened to take 50 years to be written.”

From immigrant street vendor to knight of the French Republic, Ali Akbar’s journey reflects the quiet power of constancy — and the dignity found in simple work done with heart.