Tchouaméni hit with scathing criticism ahead of Zidane's November squad announcement

Aurélien Tchouaméni finds himself at the center of controversy just days before Zinédine Zidane announces France’s squad on Friday, November 6 at 6 p.m. Journalist Sébastien Tarrago branded as “scandalous” the Real Madrid midfielder’s decision to play in the 2026 World Cup semi-final against Spain despite knowing he was physically diminished. France was eliminated 2-0.

Speaking on RTL, Tarrago first highlighted Real Madrid’s structural midfield difficulties since the departures of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, arguing it would be excessive to consider Tchouaméni a “world-class” player. He then directly targeted the former Girondins player: “He had a scandalous attitude wanting to play the World Cup semi-final. He wasn’t ready, he wanted to play and he played.”

The journalist nevertheless concluded by indicating he would still select him. “But he’s a very good player. I would take him back,” he clarified, accompanying his words with a gesture suggesting nonetheless a slight drop in level.

Tchouaméni, injured during the World Cup, had not been called up for Zidane’s first gathering in late September. Since then, he has returned to competition and featured in Real Madrid’s starting eleven in their 2-1 victory over FC Barcelona in Liga’s 10th round last weekend. His candidacy for the November window is therefore relaunched, in a midfield sector that Zidane has not yet stabilized.