Manchester United defender Leny Yoro has been called up to Zinedine Zidane's France squad for the UEFA Nations League after Ibrahima Konaté withdrew. The move is confirmed ahead of the final group fixtures.
Who: Zidane announces Leny Yoro as Ibrahima Konaté's replacement in the France squad. What: Yoro, a young defender from Manchester United, will feature in the UEFA Nations League fixtures. When: The call‑up was confirmed on 24 September 2026, ahead of France's final group games against Spain and Italy. Where: The matches will be played in stadiums in Spain and Italy.
Background to the call‑up
Yoro, born in 2004, broke through at Olympique Marseille before moving to Manchester United in the summer of 2024. He has become a regular starter in the Premier League, impressing with his composure against top‑flight opposition, which caught the eye of French coach Zinedine Zidane.
Reason for Konaté's absence
Real Madrid announced that Ibrahima Konaté will miss the Nations League due to a thigh injury requiring a three‑to‑four‑week recovery period. Medical scans indicated he cannot handle the combined club and international workload at this time.
Implications of Yoro's selection
Zidane's decision highlights a shift toward integrating younger, versatile defenders capable of contributing both defensively and in build‑up play. Yoro offers strong positional awareness and precise tackling, potentially adding solidity to France's back line.
- Yoro will make his senior international debut.
- France aims to reinforce its defence ahead of the 2028 World Cup qualifiers.
- The move could pave the way for more academy‑grown players in the starting XI.
Published: