Zidane Praises Doue Ahead of Nations League
France's coach spoke at FFF headquarters about the Paris Saint-Germain winger before the team's final group-stage fixtures against Italy and Turkey.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Soccer
France coach Zinedine Zidane praised Desire Doue while addressing the media at FFF headquarters ahead of France's UEFA Nations League fixtures. France plays Italy on 12 November 2026 and Turkey on 15 November 2026 to conclude its group stage.
Why it matters
Zidane's comments signal how the national team is building around young attacking talent as it looks to secure a place in the next stage of competition. The remaining group matches carry weight for France's standing in the tournament.
Desire Doue, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain, won a 2024 Olympic silver medal and made his senior France debut in March 2025 before featuring at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The extraction does not provide comparative performance figures for his national-team output.
The players
Zinedine Zidane
Zidane is the head coach of the French national football team and a former France international.
Desire Doue
Doue is a French attacking player who plays for Paris Saint-Germain and has represented France at senior level since March 2025.
The details
Zidane made the comments while addressing reporters at FFF headquarters, comparing his own early development and willingness to learn from older players with Doue's approach. Doue's preferred position is the left flank, though he can play in all attacking positions.
Timeline
12 November 2026: France plays Italy at the Giuseppe-Meazza stadium in Milan.
15 November 2026: France plays Turkey in Bordeaux to conclude its Nations League group stage.
March 2027: France aims to secure a quarter-final spot.
Season Trajectory
France's remaining Nations League fixtures against Italy and Turkey will shape its position in the group, with the team aiming to secure a quarter-final spot by March 2027. Zidane's emphasis on converting possession into clinical finishing reflects the pressure to turn sustained control into goals.
France's results against Italy and Turkey will determine how far it progresses in the Nations League group and whether it reaches the quarter-finals in March 2027. Fantasy and betting interest in Doue will depend on whether Zidane continues to use him on the left flank.
The takeaway
Young players often learn most from senior teammates, and Zidane's account of his own development suggests Doue's growth at club and international level may follow a similar path. Watch how France's attack adapts over the final group fixtures.
What happens next
France plays Italy in Milan on 12 November 2026 and Turkey in Bordeaux on 15 November 2026 to complete its Nations League group-stage fixtures.
Further reading
For more on the tournament, see the latest Soccer coverage.
