France Overview

The annual NXGN lists are back for 2026, as GOAL ranks the world's top teenage talents in men's and women's football, crowning winners that will follow in the footsteps of the likes of Jude Bellingham, Lamine Yamal, Lena Oberdorf and Linda Caicedo in being recognised as the best young footballers on the planet.

Arsenal defender William Saliba has officially withdrawn from the France squad for their upcoming friendly fixtures in the United States. The 24-year-old was forced to pull out just 24 hours after playing the full 90 minutes in the Gunners' Carabao Cup final defeat at Wembley. Consequently, Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix has been handed his maiden senior call-up to replace the injured star.

Kylian Mbappe’s withdrawal from France’s squad due to ankle inflammation has ignited controversy once again after the Real Madrid star was spotted in Dubai during the international break. Instead of returning to Madrid for medical checks, the forward spent several days at a luxury hotel and visited a local padel club, reopening old debates in France about his absences.

In the last few years, it's seemed relatively easy to predict the winner of the Ballon d'Or Feminin. In 2025, though, it feels incredibly tricky, especially after England's win over Spain in the European Championship final.