Debuts, comebacks, playing time… Look back at the September international break | OneFootball

The first international window of the 2025-2026 season, which saw a record number of 26 Monaco players involved, has now concluded. From debut caps to key performances and World Cup qualification, here is a summary of our national team players' activities during the September international break.

The French top flight is back! Following the September international break, which saw a large number of Monaco players, both from the first team and the academy, called up to their national teams, Ligue 1 resumes this weekend with the Rouge et Blanc traveling to Auxerre on Saturday (9:05 PM). This is an opportunity to look back at the key moments of this break, including debuts, standout performances, and World Cup qualifying matches. 🔙

It was a wonderful surprise for me and my family, especially since I watched the announcement of the list live on television. I felt immense pride because I worked very hard to achieve this goal. Receiving this award is an honor, and I am absolutely thrilled! (smile)

A newcomer for Les Bleus 🇫🇷

It seemed obvious to us to start with the one who brought pride to the people of Monaco last Friday evening.. Called up for the first time by Didier Deschamps, after coming on as a substitute in the final stages of the match against Ukraine (0-2), Maghnes Akliouche added his name to the list of 53 players who have made their debut for the French national team while also being under contract with AS Monaco.

It was a well-deserved reward for him, a player who has been decisive on three occasions since the start of the league season, starting with… a goal against Le Havre and then a goal and assist against Strasbourg at the Stade Louis-II (3-2), performances  which saw him named MVP of August by Bang & Olufsen.

Golo’ shows his class🎯

We continue with  Aleksandr Golovin, who was called up to the Russian national team for two friendly matches against Jordan and Qatar. Starting in the second match and wearing the captain’s armband, the Monaco midfielder performed his role admirably. He led the way for his teammates by opening the scoring with a magnificent long-range shot, contributing to the national team’s 4-1 victory.

Balo’ & Caio are back 🔥

How to best celebrate his return to the national team? Folarin Balogun, called up with the “Stars and Stripes” nearly a year after his last call-up, made a decisive impact and left a lasting impression. Starting in the second friendly match for Team USA against Japan, he found the back of the net against the Japanese team of Takumi Minamino, and he has now been involved in a goal in 10 of his 16 starts for the national team.

On the positive side, congratulations also to Caio Henrique, who returned to the national team after a two-year absence. Starting in the match against Bolivia during the World Cup qualifiers, the Monaco left-back impressed with a 97% pass completion rate throughout the game, along with three interceptions and one foul suffered.

Brunner impresses at the next level⚡

He was selected for the German U20 team for the very first time! After making a name for himself in the previous youth age groups (26 goals in 49 matches), Paris Brunner made a resounding debut with his new team. He scored a goal and provided an assist against Switzerland, and then followed that up with a brace and another assist against Italy, continuing to impress in the German national team jersey.

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Important qualifying wins ✅

Regarding the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, Ghana and Mohammed Salisu  have consolidated their position at the top of Group I. After drawing with Chad and then defeating Mali, the Black Stars now have 19 points and a three-point lead over Madagascar in second place. To qualify, they will need to secure victories against the Central African Republic and the Comoros.

Two very positive outings also came to pass for Lamine Camara and Krépin Diatta, who were called up to the Senegal national team for matches against Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. After comfortably beating Sudan, with an assist from Diatta on the right wing, the Lions of Teranga then staged a remarkable comeback to secure a crucial victory in the DR Congo (2-3).

Youngsters shine for France 🔥

Continuing with the youth teams, Christian Mawissa also stood out with the French U-21s. Called up by coach Gérald Baticle for a friendly match against the Serbian U20 team, the young Monaco defender provided an assist for the second French goal, following a nice one-two with Odobert and a cross into the box for Nantes player Leroux.

Continuing with the French national team, five players La Diagonale were called up to the U20 squad, and two of them, Joan Tincres and Lucas Michal, contributed to the team’s two victories against Spain (2-0 and 1-0) under coach Bernard Diomède. This was ideal preparation ahead of the start of the U20 World Cup on September 29 against South Africa.

Playing time for all ⏱️

Finally, the other Monaco players who were called up also managed to get some playing time with their national teams. For example, Mika Biereth, started in two matches for Denmark (a 0-0 draw against Scotland and a 3-0 victory in Greece) at the start of the European qualifying campaign.

Denis Zakaria played a part in both of Switzerland’s victories against Kosovo (4-0) and Slovenia (3-0). Meanwhile, in the youth category, the French U19 team, featuring Pape Cabral (who was named captain) and Jules Stawiecki, secured two wins against Ireland (4-1 and 1-0).