French national team manager Didier Deschamps has named 33-year-old midfielder N’Golo Kante among the 25 players selected for the upcoming Euro 2024 tournament.
Kante, a pivotal figure in France’s 2018 World Cup triumph, makes his return to international duty after a two-year absence, currently playing for Saudi club Al-Ittihad.
Deschamps emphasized Kante’s experience and recent fitness, despite his tenure outside European leagues, stating, “He has played a full season, albeit not in a European league, as he is in Saudi Arabia. With his experience, I’m convinced that the French team will be stronger with N’Golo Kante.”
Additionally, youthful talents Warren Zaire-Emery (18) and Bradley Barcola (21) from Paris St-Germain have earned spots in the squad, showcasing Deschamps’ blend of experience and emerging talent.
Zaire-Emery, granted a deferment for school exams to focus on football, expressed his excitement, stating, “Very happy to be on the list, it’s one of the best competitions to play with France and I’m very happy and proud to represent my country.”
The French squad also features established stars such as Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann, and Olivier Giroud, along with promising talents like William Saliba and Paris St-Germain’s rising star, Youssouf Fofana.
France, aiming for a third European title following victories in 1984 and 2000, will kick off their Euro 2024 campaign against Austria in Stuttgart on June 17.
Below is the finalized squad list for France’s Euro 2024 campaign:
Goalkeepers:
Alphonse Areola (West Ham), Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Brice Samba (Lens)
Defenders:
Jonathan Clauss (Marseille), Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool), William Saliba (Arsenal), Jules Kounde (Barcelona), Theo Hernandez (AC Milan), Ferland Mendy (Real Madrid), Benjamin Pavard (Bayern Munich), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich)
Midfielders:
N’Golo Kante (Al-Ittihad), Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid), Adrien Rabiot (Juventus), Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid), Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid), Warren Zaire-Emery (Paris St-Germain), Youssouf Fofana (Monaco)
Forwards:
Kylian Mbappe (Paris St-Germain), Bradley Barcola (Paris St-Germain), Ousmane Dembele (Paris St-Germain), Kingsley Coman (Bayern Munich), Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan), Randal Kolo Muani (Paris St-Germain), Olivier Giroud (AC Milan)
