Désiré Doué, the 19-year-old rising star of the Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), made his highly anticipated debut for the French national team on March 23, 2025, during the second leg of the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals against Croatia. The young forward’s entry was not just a crowning moment in his budding career but also a strategic decision made by head coach Didier Deschamps at a critical point in the game.
Having faced a daunting challenge after losing to Croatia 2-0 in the first leg held on March 20, the French squad was under pressure to perform remarkably in the return match. To progress to the Final Four of the tournament, they needed to win by at least two goals. Doué, who had yet to see action in the first leg, was introduced by Deschamps in the 65th minute, replacing his fellow PSG teammate, Bradley Barcola, in a move that demonstrated the coach's trust in the young player's abilities.
Désiré Doué, who grew up in Angers, has garnered attention not only for his impressive skills but also for his knack for creating scoring opportunities. This season in Ligue 1, he has created nearly 41 chances and has a striking average of 6.56 touches in the opponent's box per match.
"Désiré Doué has shown that he has all the qualities to shine on an international stage," said a football analyst prior to his debut. His Ligue 1 stats are testimony to that, having found the back of the net twice and provided six assists in 13 starts this season, with 1 goal and 4 assists coming in the last seven games alone.
In addition to his attacking prowess, Doué has also demonstrated his defensive capabilities, completing 18 tackles in Ligue 1 this season and securing victory in 102 duels, showcasing his complete game. His role during the comeback against Croatia was not just expected but necessary if France hoped to turn the tide of the tie.
The Stakes were evident as the match progressed. With around 25 minutes remaining, France was still behind on aggregate and needed Doué’s experience and confidence to rally his teammates. The young player, having recently gained international experience by converting the decisive penalty in PSG's Champions League knockout match against Liverpool, showed no signs of pressure as he entered the fray.
His skills in front of the goal were highlighted when he lined up a shot within minutes of coming on, demonstrating his readiness to make an immediate impact. Observers noted that Doué is not only fearless but has proven his capabilities when it matters most.
As the clock ticked down, fans were hopeful that Doué would be the spark needed to ignite a French comeback. Despite the intense Croatian defense, Doué's pace and agility were on display, pushing the boundaries as he sought to break through. His ability to create space and opportunities helped to reinvigorate the French attack.
"We need players who can make significant differences in the opponent’s camp," Deschamps reiterated in the lead-up to the match, and Doué's selection was a testament to that belief.
As the match reached its crescendo, every fan's hope was pinned on Doué and during the spell when he was involved, there were moments of promise. However, with the match finally concluding, France fell just short, ultimately losing the tie by two goals to one, resulting in their exit from the competition.
Despite the loss, Doué's debut is seen as a critical step in his career, showcasing his talents on an international platform and hinting at a bright future for the young star. Football pundits are optimistic that this experience will serve as a launching pad for continued success on both the national and club stages.
