He is one of the big absent from the list of Didier Deschamps. This week, the coach of the Blues unveiled the identity of the players selected to play the first two matches of the 2026 World Cup playoffs against Ukraine (September 5) and Iceland (September 9). A list that does not understand Hugo Ekitike, however author of an excellent start to the season with Liverpool (3 goals in 3 games), which he joined this summer from Frankfurt.
Passed by the U20 categories and hopes of the French team, Hugo Ekitike also has the opportunity to represent Cameroon, country of his parents. Yes but here, the 23 -year -old striker has always displayed his desire to play for France. What to close the door of the Indomitable Lions.
Passing through a press conference this Friday to announce his list for qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, Marc Brys, the Belgian coach of Cameroon, was asked about a possible summons from Hugo Ekitike. And his answer is at least sharp.
“I don't need a star who thinks he can come to this country”
“I did not contact him. I'll explain to you why. He put all his money to try to play with France and he did not succeed. And now, we, Cameroon, are we its second choice? I don't need to be a second choice ”thus dropped Marc Brys before the journalists.
And to add: ” We have good players playing with the heart. That's what I need. I don't need a star who thinks he can come to this country or another. He's a good player, this is not the question. In the situation I mentioned, he does not deserve to come here. »» The message has passed.
