A piece of news caused an impact in France and throughout Europe. The coach of the French national team at the Olympic Games Thierry Henry announced a pre-list of 25 players in which Kylian Mbappé and Antoine Griezmann are not present.
While waiting for what will be the imminent announcement of the arrival of the former PSG forward to Real Madrid after winning the Champions League, a novelty that was an open secret in Europe was confirmed. Beyond his absence, it must be mentioned that The coach saved a place on the list for someone over 23 years oldwhich leaves a door open to his possible future summons. Alexandre Lacazette (33 years old, Olympique Lyon) already Jean-Philippe Mateta (26 years old, Crystal Palace) are the two experienced players cited by the historic former world champion attacker.
The French squad and the rest of the teams in Paris 2024 will be made up of 18 players, of which three may be older. The other one who did not receive the call from Henry was Griezmann, who had publicly expressed his desire to compete in the most important multidisciplinary sporting event in the world.
The work of the French team that will seek the gold medal in the capital of its country will begin on June 16 in Clairefontaine, one of the centers that the French Football Federation has. The other renowned players mentioned, who will also be in the Euro Cup, will be Bradley Barcola and Warren Zaire-Emery, from Paris Saint Germain. Another name mentioned that is not on this list is Eduardo Camavingathe Real Madrid midfielder who started last Saturday at Wembley in the Champions League final that the Meringue beat Borussia Dortmund 2-0.
As mentioned in the newspaper L’EquipeHenry left several players who had been regulars in his previous squads off the roster, such as Malo Gusto, from Chelsea, Rayan Cherki (Lyon) and Elye Wahi (Lens).
In the press conference after the presentation of the names, the coach was clear when asked if he would add another senior for the competition that will start on July 24 – two days before the opening ceremony. and that will end on August 9 with the match for the gold medal. “There will be three players over 23 years old, but I can’t tell you more. It is not easy with the clubs, who have the right to retain them.”admitted the technician.
Beyond the complications of citing players outside of French football, Henry was clear when saying that “The list is open to everyone, the door is not closed to anyone” after receiving a question about Mbappé’s future. In preparation, France will play a duel against Paraguay on July 4 in Bayonne. A week later, on the 11th, the French team will face the Dominican Republic and the last presentation will be against Japan on July 17.
Les Bleus They were seeded in the draw and will be the favorites of Group A that they will share with the United States (July 24 in Marseille), Guinea (7/27 in Nice) and New Zealand (7/30 in Marseille).
France’s 25-player roster for the Olympic Games:
Goalkeepers (4): Lucas Chevalier (Lille), Guillaume Restes (Toulouse), Obed Nkambadio (Paris FC), Robin Risser (Strasbourg).
Defenders (7): Kiliann Sildillia (Freiburg), Bafodé Diakité (Lille), Castello Lukeba (Leipzig), Maxime Estève (Burnley), Lenny Yoro (Lille), Adrien Truffert (Rennes), Bradley Locko (Brest).
Midfielders (8): Warren Zaire-Emery (PSG), Khéphren Thuram (Nice), Manu Koné (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Maghnes Akliouche (Monaco), Enzo Millot (Stuttgart), Joris Chotard (Montpellier), Désiré Doué (Rennes), Lesley Ugochukwu (Chelsea).
Forwards (6): Bradley Barcola (PSG), Alexandre Lacazette (Lyon), Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace), Matthys Tel (Bayern Munich), Michael Olise (Crystal Palace), Arnaud Kalimuendo (Rennes).
