Article by Mihai Șovei – Published on Thursday, 28 May 2026, 10:54 / Updated on Thursday, 28 May 2026 10:55
Thierry Henry (48), world champion with France in 1998, has named a French player who could surprise everyone at this summer's World Cup but who is not being talked about much.
It is about Manu Kone (25 years old), the central midfielder from AS Roma, who is part of the final group selected by Didier Deschamps for the final tournament in the United States of America, Canada and Mexico.
In Thierry Henry's view, Manu Kone can be the revelation of France at the World Cup
The French will enter the tournament as one of the main contenders to win the trophy, and according to the former great striker of the national team, they will also have an exceptional asset in the squad.
According to him, the biggest revelation of the tournament will be Manu Konewho currently wears the shirt of the AS Roma team.
“I don't think his name is mentioned often, even though he is a key player in the French national team. In this team you have to be really good.” said Thierry Henry in an interview for sportbible.com.
“I don't know if he will play in the World Cup, for now he is in the shadows and there is not much talk about him. Dembélé is mentioned, Désiré Doué is mentioned, Barcola is mentioned, Saliba is mentioned and Konaté is mentioned. People don't mention him, but he's a very solid player in my opinion“, added the 48-year-old former footballer.
Manu Kone
Manu Kone plays as a central midfielder for AS Roma, for whom he has made 37 appearances this season, scoring 2 goals and providing 3 assists. According to the specialized website transfermarkt.comits market share is 50 million euros.
Didier Deschamps' men have been drawn in Group I at the World Cup, where they will face Senegal, Iraq and Norway in succession.
France squad for the World Cup
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Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Robin Risser (RC Lens), Brice Samba (Stade Rennais)
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Defenders: Lucas Digne (Everton), Malo Gusto (Chelsea), Lucas Hernandez (PSG), Theo Hernandez (Al-Hilal), Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool), Jules Kounde (FC Barcelona), Maxence Lacroix (Crystal Palace), William Saliba (Arsenal), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich)
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Midfielders: N'Golo Kante (Fenerbahce), Manu Kone (AS Roma), Adrien Rabiot (AC Milan), Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid), Warren Zaire-Emery (PSG)
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Strikers: Maghnes Akliouche (AS Monaco), Bradley Barcola (PSG), Rayan Cherki (Manchester City), Ousmane Dembele (PSG), Desire Doue (PSG), Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace), Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich), Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan)
