Cunha surprises France: from Como's captain to victory over Belgium

Last night Lucas Da Cunha, captain of Como, wore the France shirt to lead the midfield of Zinedine Zidane’s national team to a 1‑0 victory over Belgium, in his first call‑up. The image of a former winger directing the French side tells better than any statistic the unpredictability of football.

The journey from 4‑3‑4 to 4‑2‑3‑1

The tactical change started with the meeting with Cesc Fabregas, who moved Da Cunha from wide midfield to central midfield, asking him to learn new movements, game readings and a defensive phase previously neglected. Da Cunha followed the instructions without shortcuts, becoming a key pivot for Como.

Thanks to this work, the player became captain of Como, led the team to the Champions League and established himself as one of the best midfielders of the latest Serie A.

Failed transfer window: Da Cunha, from rejection to the French job

From Serie B to France

In January 2023 Nice had sidelined him, selling him for just €400 000, an almost symbolic price for a player in whom confidence had been lost. At Como, however, the management continued to believe in his potential, allowing him to take part in the promotion from Serie B, the conquest of the Champions League and, finally, the call‑up to the national team.

His debut with France, under the guidance of Zinedine Zidane, marks the culmination of a journey that has crossed Serie B, promotion, tactical transformation, captaincy and now the blue shirt.

Marseille regrets its failure while Da Cunha shines for France

Why is this story significant? Because it shows that a closed door, like Nice’s, is not the end of the road, but the starting point for a better path.