Désiré Doué leads France in Nations League win

Désiré Doué took on France’s attacking responsibility in Brussels and delivered his most convincing performance for the national team. With Kylian Mbappé absent after an injury and back in Madrid, the Paris Saint-Germain forward became the main threat as France secured a valuable Nations League victory over Belgium.

Zinedine Zidane selected Doué alongside Esteban Lepaul and Bradley Barcola in the reshaped front three. While the other two struggled to impose themselves, Doué repeatedly unsettled Belgium’s defence from the right and through central areas. Before the 15-minute mark, he beat three defenders on a solo run before sending a powerful effort against the crossbar, with goalkeeper Senne Lammens beaten.

Doué continued to influence the match after the interval, this time from the left. A turn that removed two opponents created space for a curling attempt that narrowly missed the target. He later tested Lammens again after another burst, forcing the goalkeeper to intervene. Doué also tracked back several times to support France’s midfield and full-back.

Michael Olise ultimately scored the decisive goal, without direct involvement from Doué. However, the 21-year-old was France’s most dangerous attacking player and finished the match as the only member of the forward line to remain on the pitch. After an uneven start to the season at club level and limited impact for France, the display could mark a breakthrough in his international career and his 2026-27 campaign.