Tag: France

Slot Confirms Ekitike Surgery Went Well but Rehab Will Be Long

Hugo Ekitike
April 2026

Hugo Ekitike has undergone successful surgery after rupturing his Achilles tendon, but Arne Slot says the recovery will take many months. news reported that the injury rules Ekitike out of the 2026 World Cup. Slot said the first key step was successful surgery, but stressed that the full rehab process has many stages and no exact return date can yet be fixed. Current reporting points to a long absence that will stretch into next season.

Zidane Set to Take Over France After 2026 World Cup

Zinedine Zidane
April 2026

Zinedine Zidane is reported to have agreed to become France head coach after the 2026 World Cup, ending a long wait for the role he has been linked with for years. Didier Deschamps has already confirmed that the tournament will be his final one in charge. Report based on ESPN, saying he had reached a verbal agreement with the French federation rather than confirming an official appointment from the federation itself. That means the direction looks clear, but the final move should still be treated as reported, not formally announced.

Kante Leaves Door Open to Future Move Home After Paris FC Talks

N’Golo Kante
March 2026

N’Golo Kante confirmed that talks over a move to Paris FC were real last summer, though no agreement was reached in the end. The midfielder also admitted he could still see himself finishing his career in France despite continuing his journey abroad for now. Kante said Paris FC were one of several clubs in discussions with him during the previous window, but the move never materialised. He stressed respect for that interest and added that a return to French football remains possible later in his career.

Mbappe and Ekitike Beat Brazil in Foxborough Friendly

Kylian Mbappe, Hugo Ekitike
March 2026

France beat Brazil 2-1 in Foxborough, with Kylian Mbappe opening the scoring and Hugo Ekitike adding the second. The win came despite France going down to 10 men, giving them a strong result against elite opposition ahead of the World Cup. Reuters reported Mbappe scored in the 32nd minute and Ekitike made it 2-0 after Dayot Upamecano had been sent off early in the second half. Brazil pulled one back through Gleison Bremer, but France held on and Mbappe moved to within one goal of Olivier Giroud’s national scoring record.

Mbappe Rejects Claim Real Madrid Examined the Wrong Knee

Kylian Mbappe
March 2026

Kylian Mbappe has publicly denied reports that Real Madrid’s medical staff examined the wrong knee during his recovery process. The forward said communication with the club has been clear throughout and insisted the story was false despite heavy media attention around the issue. Mbappe explained that limited public communication can create space for speculation, but he said there had been no confusion between him and Real Madrid’s staff. He added that he now feels healthy and is pleased to be available again with both knees feeling good.

Saliba Pulls Out of France Squad as Lacroix Earns First Senior Call-Up

William Saliba
March 2026

William Saliba has withdrawn from the France squad because of recurring pain in his left ankle, forcing him out of the upcoming friendlies in the United States. Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix has been called up as his replacement for a first senior international selection. Saliba played the full 90 minutes in Arsenal’s Carabao Cup final defeat before the French federation decided the issue required treatment and at least 10 days of rest. Lacroix’s call-up rewards a strong club season and gives France a fresh defensive option before the World Cup.

Zidane Reportedly in Line to Succeed Deschamps as France Plan Post-World Cup Transition

Zinedine Zidane
March 2026

Zinedine Zidane is being widely reported as the leading choice to take over France after the 2026 World Cup, though there is still no official federation confirmation of a signed appointment. Didier Deschamps is set to leave after the tournament, making the succession plan a major national talking point. Reports say Zidane has a verbal agreement in place, while federation president Philippe Diallo has indicated that the next coach is effectively decided. Until an official announcement is made, the situation remains advanced but not formally completed.

Arbeloa Unconcerned Over Mbappe and Bellingham Joining National Teams

Alvaro Arbeloa
March 2026

Alvaro Arbeloa has played down concerns about Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham joining their national teams despite recent fitness issues. The Real Madrid coach said both players are ready to play and sees no problem with them representing France and England. Mbappe has been managing a knee issue and Bellingham has had hamstring concerns, but Arbeloa said both are fit enough to face Atletico Madrid and travel internationally. He stressed that top players will always be called up and trusted them to manage themselves responsibly.

Ancelotti Leaves Neymar Out of Brazil Squad Despite Return From Injury

Neymar
March 2026

Carlo Ancelotti has left Neymar out of Brazil’s latest squad, saying the forward is not yet physically ready despite his return to action with Santos. The coach stressed that selection was based on fitness levels, not technical quality or long-term World Cup potential. Neymar recently played 90 minutes after a lengthy recovery from knee surgery, but Ancelotti said he and his staff do not believe the forward is at 100 percent yet. Brazil want fully fit players for the upcoming friendlies, while still leaving open the chance of Neymar making the World Cup squad later.

Didier Deschamps Defends Kylian Mbappe’s Work Rate Criticism

Didier Deschamps
January 2026

Deschamps rejected criticism focused on Mbappe’s running metrics, saying he will not cover “11 kilometres per match” but can still be a true captain and decisive match-winner. He framed it as a tactical trade-off: you do not demand high-volume defensive running that drains the explosiveness Mbappe needs in the final third.

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