The announcement of the “Tricolors’” roster marked a special moment in Sael Koubendi’s career, but also a rare event for French soccer, came with the announcement of the “Tricolors’” roster for the Nations League matches. Zinedine Zidane has called up the 21-year-old Wolfsburg defender to the men’s national team for the first time; he will replace the injured Pierre Kalulu.
What’s remarkable about this young right back is that he plays in Germany’s second division for Wolfsburg, which was relegated from the Bundesliga last season. Nevertheless, his performances convinced the French coaching staff to give him the opportunity to make his debut at the top level of the national team.
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This marks the first time since 2007 that a player competing in the second division has been called up, when David Trezeguet was included in France’s squad, even though Juventus was playing in Serie B at the time, following its relegation due to the Calciopoli scandal. The once-great striker wore the “tricolor” jersey in the match against Argentina on February 7, 2007.
Koubenti, therefore, becomes the first to achieve something similar in nearly two decades—an accomplishment that takes on even greater significance when one considers that, until recently, he was a member of the U-21 national team.
*photo source: AP
