The French national football team has officially announced its 25-man squad for the upcoming UEFA European Championship. Although the tournament allows a maximum of 26 registered players, BD Cricket confirms that manager Didier Deschamps has opted to bring just 25. Spearheaded by captain Kylian Mbappé, the lineup features well-known names like Antoine Griezmann and Olivier Giroud, while N’Golo Kanté’s surprise return stands out as the biggest headline.
Kanté’s comeback may raise eyebrows, but it’s well-deserved. He is the only player in the squad currently playing outside Europe’s top five leagues, representing Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League. Despite the distance from Europe’s spotlight, Kanté has delivered a rock-solid season: 44 appearances, 4 goals, and 6 assists. More importantly, he has logged 3,777 minutes on the pitch—more than any other French midfielder selected for the Euros. Deschamps was candid during the press conference, acknowledging Kanté’s limited action last season but praising his complete return to form this year. “It’s not where you stand today that matters most, but the direction you’re heading,” the coach remarked, backing Kanté’s full recovery and fitness.
Throughout his career, Kanté has earned 53 caps for France. While his contributions may not be flashy on the stat sheet, his impact is undeniable—playing a key role in France’s World Cup and UEFA Nations League triumphs. According to BD Cricket’s valuation chart, the total market value of the current French squad stands at a staggering €1.25 billion, dwarfing Germany’s €799 million, despite the latter naming 27 players compared to France’s 25. This leaves only England—whose squad is yet to be released—as a potential challenger in financial clout.
Mbappé, valued at €180 million, leads the pack and is unquestionably France’s talisman. His closest rival, Jude Bellingham, will surely headline England’s lineup, while Erling Haaland misses out entirely due to Norway’s failure to qualify.
Interestingly, France doesn’t boast a second player valued over €100 million. Aurélien Tchouaméni and Eduardo Camavinga are both valued at €90 million, but considering their youth and club performance, they’re likely to surpass the €100 million mark if they shine this summer. France’s attacking options present a “rich man’s dilemma,” with Dembélé, Kolo Muani, and Marcus Thuram each worth €60 million—making the pecking order unclear. Paradoxically, 37-year-old veteran Olivier Giroud, valued at just €4 million, might be the standout performer up front.
One of the most discussed aspects of the squad announcement wasn’t who made it, but rather who didn’t—highlighting the incredible depth of talent at Deschamps’ disposal. In knockout tournaments, strength in defense and midfield often determines how far a team can go, and France is stacked in both areas. From Saliba, Upamecano, and Konaté to Kanté and Rabiot, the lineup features battle-tested players ready to rise to the occasion. Versatile stars like Camavinga, Tchouaméni, and Koundé add tactical flexibility, allowing Deschamps to adapt on the fly.
Giroud also enters the record books as France’s oldest-ever tournament call-up at 37 years and 229 days, while 18-year-old Paris Saint-Germain talent Warren Zaïre-Emery becomes the youngest player in the nation’s history to be selected for a major international competition.
While veterans like Giroud, Griezmann, and Kanté may skew the average age slightly upward, BD Cricket experts are confident it won’t hinder the team’s pace or energy. After all, captain Mbappé is still only 25 and has already led the team to both World Cup glory and heartbreak. France’s status as a tournament favorite isn’t just hype—it’s the result of a golden generation peaking at the right time. As the saying goes, “fortune favors the bold,” and this French side is ready to chase glory once again.