Wilfried Zaha (ex Crystal Palace)
October 2025
Zaha called Jean Philippe Mateta’s remarks about being laughed at for France ambitions “disgusting,” rejecting any bully label as Mateta celebrates a debut and first France goal. The dispute reopens old Palace dynamics from Mateta’s early spell. Zaha disputes the narrative as Mateta’s international rise reshapes perceptions.
Kylian Mbappé (France, Real Madrid)
October 2025
Mbappé’s dazzling solo strike inspired France to a 3-0 win over Azerbaijan in World Cup qualifying, with Adrien Rabiot and Florian Thauvin also scoring. The Real Madrid star, however, sparked concern late on after signaling to come off with an ankle problem.
Despite several injuries, Didier Deschamps’ rotated side dominated in Paris. Mbappé broke the deadlock with a brilliant solo effort before assisting Rabiot for the second. Thauvin’s late goal sealed another routine victory as France maintained their perfect qualifying record.
Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace)
October 2025
Jean-Philippe Mateta has hinted at leaving Crystal Palace to chase Champions League football and major trophies. The striker has scored 30 league goals in two seasons and helped Palace win the FA Cup in 2025.
Now 28, Mateta earned his first France call-up and told RMC Sport he wants to reach the next level like his international teammates. Aston Villa, Leeds, and Newcastle are interested, with Palace valuing him at £40m. Tottenham and Manchester United were linked in the summer.
Olivier Giroud (France)
September 2025
Olivier Giroud admitted he never foresaw Ousmane Dembele winning the Ballon d’Or, despite his talent. Dembele’s resurgence at PSG, capped by 35 goals and a Champions League triumph, convinced critics he deserved football’s top individual honor after years of struggles at Barcelona. Giroud highlighted that Ballon d’Or winners need both talent and team success, noting Dembele’s form peaked at the right time with PSG’s historic quadruple. He called it a season where Dembele “had everything”—fitness, consistency, and trophies—that finally fulfilled his long-questioned potential.
Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool)
September 2025
New signing Hugo Ekitike has made a flying start at Liverpool, scoring in his first three matches to match Daniel Sturridge’s 2013 record. His form has also earned him his first senior France call-up during the September international break. Goals against Crystal Palace, Bournemouth, and Newcastle cemented his impact, while positive contributions versus Arsenal kept his momentum going. Ekitike credits teammates and Arne Slot’s support for helping him quickly adapt and settle into life at Anfield.
Kylian Mbappe (France)
September 2025
Kylian Mbappe scored in France’s 2-0 World Cup qualifying win over Ukraine, equalling Thierry Henry’s record of 51 international goals. The Real Madrid forward is now joint second on France’s all-time scoring chart, behind Olivier Giroud’s 56 goals. Mbappe netted France’s second goal in the 82nd minute after Michael Olise’s opener. Speaking post-match, Mbappe described it as “an honour” to match Henry and praised his legacy, while downplaying immediate focus on Giroud’s record despite being on track to surpass it.
Ousmane Dembele (PSG)
September 2025
PSG have expressed anger after Ousmane Dembele suffered a hamstring injury while playing for France in their 2-0 World Cup qualifying win over Ukraine. The winger was forced off early in the second half, adding to his long list of fitness concerns. Dembele was replaced by Desire Doue, with PSG later accusing France’s medical staff of ignoring warnings about protecting the player. The injury has raised tensions between club and country, with PSG frustrated by losing a key man so soon into the season.
Didier Deschamps (France)
September 2025
Didier Deschamps admitted lifting his locker-room phone ban and shortening team talks, saying old methods lost effect after criticism from Euro 2024 and Nations League disappointments. The France manager conceded modern players need more freedom and personal connection. By aligning with club norms and cutting team talks from 45 to 10 minutes, Deschamps hopes to rebuild trust and adapt his authority to evolving dressing-room dynamics.
Mike Maignan (AC Milan)
March 2025
Chelsea and Aston Villa are interested in signing AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
With Milan open to offers, Chelsea scouts have monitored Maignan for over a year. Aston Villa view him as a potential long-term replacement for Emiliano Martínez.
Alphonso Davies, Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich)
March 2025 (post-international break)
Bayern Munich have confirmed that Alphonso Davies will miss several months due to a torn ACL, while Dayot Upamecano is out for a few weeks with knee issues.
Davies sustained a torn ACL in his right knee while on duty with Canada in their 2-1 win over the USA. He will undergo surgery immediately. Upamecano, who helped France beat Croatia in the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals, was diagnosed with loose bodies in his left knee and will be unavailable for several weeks. Bayern sporting director Max Eberl acknowledged the heavy blow, but expressed confidence in the squad’s depth to navigate through the injuries.
