Didier Deschamps has firmly denied suggestions that his decision to include Rayan Cherki in France’s senior squad was motivated by pressure from Algeria’s interest in the player.
Cherki, a rising star at Lyon and a long-time France youth international, received his first senior team call-up for the upcoming UEFA Nations League Final Four.
While the decision has been largely welcomed in France, it has stirred controversy across the Mediterranean in Algeria, where hopes of convincing the dual-national forward to represent the Fennecs had been quietly building.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Deschamps addressed the speculation head-on. When asked whether Algeria’s pursuit of Cherki influenced his decision, the France coach replied bluntly: “To what extent did it play a role? Zero.”
He continued, “When I take a player, it’s for our needs. It’s never to prevent him from doing something else, despite what may be said.” According to Deschamps, Cherki’s selection is entirely based on merit and recent form. “Rayan could have already been there in March because of what he’s achieved with his club, where he was much more decisive,” he added.
Cherki’s name has been on the radar of both federations, but France’s latest move could effectively seal his international allegiance—particularly if he features in an official match during the Nations League.
The 20-year-old has previously represented France at U21 level 23 times and recently earned silver at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games with the national youth team.
Despite murmurs in Algerian media that Cherki may have leaned toward choosing Algeria had France not acted, Deschamps categorically rejected the notion that his call-up strategy involves “locking in” dual-national players.
“I have never blocked a player or prevented a player from choosing [between national teams],” he said. “At no time have I played with that since I have been coach.”
Deschamps acknowledged that other federations do reach out to dual-national players at increasingly young ages, but he reiterated his stance on respecting their autonomy.
“Some make a choice very early; it’s their freedom. And I will never play with that freedom.”
With Cherki now poised to potentially make his senior debut for France in an official competition, the likelihood of him ever switching allegiances appears slim.
His omission from France’s U21 squad for the upcoming European Championship reinforces the idea that he is now being integrated into the senior setup for the long term.
Deschamps’ unequivocal statements not only defend his selection process but also send a clear message to other federations: France’s choices are guided solely by sporting logic.
For those in Algeria holding out hope, the French coach’s words may serve as the clearest indication yet that Cherki’s international future lies firmly with Les Bleus.
