Emmanuel Macron declares 'Bollard Man' a French hero for his bravery in ... trends now

Emmanuel Macron has declared 'Bollard Man' a French hero after he faced down crazed killer Joel Cauchi during his Westfield Bondi Junction massacre. 

Damien Guerot earned the nickname 'Bollard Man' after a viral video showed him bravely confronting mass murderer Joel Cauchi on an escalator. 

The heroic actions of Mr Guerot and his his fellow Frenchman Silas Despreaux stopped the knifeman from reaching an area where many children had been playing in the shopping centre.

Now the French President has praised the bravery of his two countrymen, while sharing  his 'condolences' for the six victims of Saturday's attack.  

'Condolences to the Australians struck by an attack in a shopping center in Sydney on Saturday,' Macron posted on X. 

'Two of our compatriots behaved like true heroes. Very great pride and recognition.'

Macron's comments come after Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese promised to grant Mr Guerot citizenship for his heroism amid reports his visa expires in a month.

It is understood Mr Despreaux already has permanent residency. 

'I say this to Damien Guerot, who is dealing with his visa applications, that you are welcome here,' Mr Albanese said on Tuesday. 

'You are welcome to stay for as long as you like. 

'This is someone who we would welcome becoming an Australian citizen, although that would of course be a loss for France. 

'We thank him for his extraordinary bravery. It says a lot about the nature of humanity.