Double blow for African talents in France.. Kumbedi joins Kroupi in Les Bleus' calculations for Italy and Turkey matches

12.11.26 14:45 UEFA Nations League A

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France have handed Sael Kumbedi his first senior international call up, bringing the 21 year old defender of Congolese descent a significant step closer to representing Les Bleus at the highest level.

The Wolfsburg right back was promoted from France's U21 squad on Monday 9 November after Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu withdrew with a left hamstring injury.

Kumbedi will now be available for France's UEFA Nations League encounters against Italy on 12 November and Turkey on 15 November.

But beyond an unexpected international promotion.. Could DR Congo lose a promising defensive prospect who remains eligible to represent the Leopards?

Read Also: France calls up Eli Junior Kroupi for the first time.. Talent with Ivorian roots enters Zidane's calculations

From the German second division to Zidane's France

Kumbedi's selection is particularly remarkable because he currently plays in Germany's second division with Wolfsburg.

The former Lyon defender becomes the first player from a second tier club to receive a senior France call up since David Trezeguet in 2007.

Born in Stains, near Paris, on 26 March 2005, Kumbedi developed through the youth systems of Paris Saint Germain and Le Havre before joining Lyon in 2022.

His progress through France's youth national teams included winning the 2022 European U17 Championship and reaching the 2024 European U19 Championship final.

He was initially expected to join Gérald Baticle's U21 squad this November before Zidane promoted him following Kalulu's withdrawal.

The youngster has already spoken enthusiastically about the opportunity, describing his promotion as a dream come true while stressing that he still has work to do.

What does the call up mean for DR Congo?

Kumbedi's international situation is particularly relevant to DR Congo because of his Congolese family background.

As Foot Africa previously highlighted in its profile of the defender, he is eligible to represent both France and the Leopards.

His promotion to the French senior squad strengthens his existing connection with Les Bleus but receiving a call up does not automatically make a player permanently ineligible for another national team.

Even a senior appearance would need to be assessed under FIFA's eligibility and change of association regulations before any definitive conclusion could be reached.

For now, Kumbedi has not made his senior France debut and there is no confirmed public decision from the defender ruling out DR Congo.

The development nevertheless illustrates the challenge facing African federations seeking to attract eligible players who have progressed through European national youth systems.

The timing is especially notable.

Just one day after Kumbedi's promotion, France also handed a first senior call up to Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi who has Ivorian and Portuguese roots.

Unlike Kumbedi, Kroupi had already publicly expressed his preference for France over Cote d'Ivoire and Portugal.

Two players with African roots have now received their first France call ups within 24 hours.

Khaled Hegazy |

Editorar, en

Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

Related teams and leagues

Italy

France

DR Congo

UEFA Nations League A