Grégoire Margotton explains Lucas Da Cunha pronunciation

Grégoire Margotton has had to address criticism over his pronunciation of Lucas Da Cunha’s name during TF1’s coverage of France-Italy. The commentator used a version that differed from the Portuguese pronunciation viewers expected, prompting reactions during the broadcast.

Margotton said “Da Couna” rather than “Da Cougna”, with the “h” not pronounced. The same pronunciation had already been heard when France played Belgium, before being used again against Italy. The issue stood out as Da Cunha joined a group of newer France players being introduced to television audiences.

Later in the evening, Margotton responded by sharing a video interview in which the player introduces himself and says his first and last names. He directed viewers to the relevant part of the recording and apologised to those who had wanted the name pronounced differently.

Margotton has been the voice of France matches since 2016 and is now covering the team under new coach Zinédine Zidane. With Da Cunha among the latest players to appear in the squad, the exchange highlighted the attention given to names during the team’s new phase.