Didier Deschamps Addresses Dual-National Players Directly and Honestly

Ibrahim Mbaye and Mamadou Sarr may still be young players, but they are well aware that they will not wear the France national team jersey. The 17-year-old PSG forward and 20-year-old Strasbourg defender have both been called up to represent Senegal, despite having played for various French youth teams. They received their call-up from coach Pape Thiaw on Thursday. Didier Deschamps, the France coach, addressed the situation during a press conference, emphasizing that it is a personal decision he respects.

“It’s a sensitive subject, but these players have always had the freedom to choose, whether they hold dual or multiple nationalities. It’s their decision for various reasons. I cannot dictate attractiveness. Certainly, other national teams have specific strategies to attract players. These players have that freedom, and I have nothing to say about it. I have never taken someone to block them or prevent them from going elsewhere, and I will not do so,” the coach stated.