National teams 21 November 2023, 23:30

Youssouf Fofana, playing as a starter, scores a brilliant goal for France

Already having scored four days ago against Gibraltar, in what was his first goal in a French jersey, the Monegasque midfielder distinguished himself again against Greece by unleashing a monstrous shot into the top corner.

He has impressed to no small extent in this international break. Coming on to the pitch short notice on Saturday evening against Gibraltar (20′), following an injury to Warren Zaire-Emery, Youssouf Fofana made the most of the moment but getting his first goal for Les Bleus. With a beautiful strike from the edge of the penalty area to make it 6-0, the French international played his part in what was a record victory for Didier Deschamps’ men (14-0).

⚽ @YFofana19_ se rappellera longtemps de ce match !

✘ Plus large victoire de l'histoire des Bleus
✘ 1er but en Equipe de France #FiersdetreBleus pic.twitter.com/kyljxFPZoU

— Equipe de France ⭐⭐ (@equipedefrance) November 20, 2023

A top-flight performance in midfield

Building on this, the Monegasque number 19 was not satisfied at the start of the final match of the Euro 2024 qualifiers – in which the French team were already qualified and guaranteed to be top seed -, against Greece. Starting centrally alongside Adrien Rabiot, Youss’ again shone in midfield, making the greatest number of touches for Les Bleus (109), while making ten ball recoveries.

Compared to the previous match, I know that Kylian, when he cuts inside in on his right foot, will look to go the opposite way, and I tried to position myself accordingly and read it well.

Youssouf FofanaOn his goal

Before a masterpiece from long range!

But above all he brought something new with his runs into the Greek half. That was until the 74th minute of play, where he decided to hit a powerful strike from more than 20 meters from gola… which landed in the top corner of Odisseas Vlachodimos’ net to make it 2-2! Gorgeous! Even though the hosts had turned the match around in five minutes, Youssouf ultimately allowed France to remain undefeated in this qualifying campaign.

𝘽𝙊𝙊𝙈 💥

2e but de l'extérieur de la surface en 2 matchs pour @YFofana19_ 💪#FiersdetreBleus pic.twitter.com/blXKiOp4yZ

— Equipe de France ⭐⭐ (@equipedefrance) November 23, 2023

And how! It was a magnificent goal, his second in Bleu and in as many matches, in what was his 15th cap for his country, and incidentally the 50th goal scored by an AS Monaco player with the French team. What a play! 🎩

La réalisation de Youssouf Fofana est le 50e but d'un joueur de l'@AS_Monaco avec l'@equipedefrance. #GREFRA

— Stats Foot (@Statsdufoot) November 21, 2023

Photos: Icon Sport