Rennes’ academy has placed seven graduates in Zinédine Zidane’s latest senior France squad, underlining the scale of the Breton club’s contribution to the national team pipeline.
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Ousmane Dembélé, Eduardo Camavinga, Désiré Doué, Adrien Truffert, Jérémy Jacquet, Lucas Diouf and Romain Da Cunha are all products of Rennes’ development system and have been selected for France’s senior side.
The total might have been eight. Kylian Mbappé attended several training camps and a scouting tournament with Rennes as a youngster before choosing Monaco for his development.
Rennes’ presence also extends to the France Under-21 group, where Lesley Ugochukwu and Mathys Tel have been involved. Further down the age groups, Junior Ake has represented France Under-20s, while Ruben Lomet and Mohamed Chebbi are in the Under-19 picture. Firmin Thétiot and Thâo Mouapa Mwa Meuraillo have been called up at Under-18 level.
Turning academy success into a lasting international career remains uncertain, with club opportunities, progression and mentality carrying as much weight as talent. Several former Rennes players are still trying to establish themselves at senior level before a France call can become realistic.
- Ugochukwu is now at Galatasaray after spells with Chelsea, Southampton and Burnley.
- Tel is with Tottenham following his time at Bayern Munich.
- Monaco forward Matthis Abline must continue to build his club standing.
- Midfielder Djaoui Cissé has seen his momentum stall at Rennes.
- Right-back Lorenz Assignon is playing for Stuttgart.
- Sacha Boey’s move to Bayern Munich suggested international potential, but his situation has become more difficult.
- Brighton attacker Georginio Rutter could enter the discussion if he maintains his current trajectory.
- Kader Meïté, 18, has moved to Al-Hilal and was not selected for the France Under-21s. His development in Saudi Arabia or a possible return to Europe will shape his prospects.
The next generation at Rennes
Rennes already have several highly rated players born in 2009 attracting attention beyond France.
Central defender Joseph Peter, the brother of Angers player Prosper Peter, is among them. Thétiot is another central defender to watch, while forward Mouhammad Valmy has been promoted to Algeria’s Under-20 squad during the international break. France are continuing to monitor Valmy’s international future.
