French media question Rabiot’s place after Da Cunha debut: ‘Something France lack’

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM - SEPTEMBER 28: Mika Godts of Belgium is tackled by Lucas Da Cunha and Pierre Kalulu of France during the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Belgium and France at Stade Roi Baudouin on September 28, 2026 in Brussels, Belgium. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

Lucas Da Cunha could hardly have chosen a better night for his France debut, and the reaction in the French press has been unanimous.

The Como midfielder was handed a first senior cap by Zinedine Zidane in Monday’s 1-0 win in Belgium, deployed as the deep-lying anchor in midfield and charged with containing Youri Tielemans. He lasted until the 90th minute and came close to marking the occasion with a goal, striking the post from distance just after the hour.

Da Cunha ‘A profile French football doesn’t have’

The pundits on RMC Sport were struck by what he offers, with quotes via TuttoMercatoWeb.

“Da Cunha? He’s one of those players you immediately want to see again. It’s a profile that French football lacks,” they said. “How many times have we said we needed a technical player in front of the defence? On his first cap he found himself under constant pressing from Belgium, but he always kept great composure.”

Daniel Riolo went further, crediting Da Cunha with improving the team and using the performance to question Adrien Rabiot’s place under Zidane.

“The midfield made the difference and it’s no coincidence that we saw a side with more movement and a more fluid build-up,” the journalist said. “I think this is also down to the absence of certain players. I’m not sure a footballer like Adrien Rabiot can bring benefits in Zidane’s system.”

The numbers backed the praise: 83 passes completed from 89, six recoveries, four duels won and two tackles.

Da Cunha, 25, came through the Rennes academy before moving to Nice and then Como in January 2023, helping them climb from Serie B to the Champions League.