Da Cunha stuns on France debut: "I was in the second division just a few years ago"

Lucas Da Cunha made a successful France debut on Monday evening in Brussels. Starting in midfield for France against Belgium in the Nations League, the Como player was instrumental in the Blues’ 0-1 victory, sealed by a goal from Michael Olise.

Deployed alongside Camavinga and Akliouche in front of the defense, the 25-year-old midfielder displayed constant technical precision and availability, allowing France to control much of the match. A performance that earned him praise from the French manager.

“Very pleased with him, and it’s not easy because it’s his first cap, he’s coming into a squad he doesn’t know. He played the way he usually does, the way I wanted him to play, that is, freely,” the manager said after the match.

Da Cunha himself did not hide the intensity of the moment: “We played a good match, we deserved to win, we’re all relieved with Michael’s goal. The coach gave me all his confidence, told me to let loose, to do what I do at club level. I felt good on the pitch. It’s not nothing, these are big emotions, great joy. I was in the second division just a few years ago.”

The midfielder’s trajectory certainly commands respect: he was still playing in Italian Serie B three years ago before establishing himself at Como, a club promoted to Serie A, and earning his first France call-up. A meteoric rise concluded on Monday evening with an away victory that revives France’s chances in their group.