Elle sparks France in Coupe festival as Hurtré shines on debut

At the Stade du Mans in Laval on Saturday, 22‑year‑old Océane Hurtré made a memorable first appearance for the French women’s national team, delivering a decisive assist and a goal in a 9‑0 win over Latvia during the Coupe campaign.

Impactful debut for Birmingham’s rising star

Hurtré, the Birmingham left‑winger who was named England’s Player of the Month, arrived from PSG last season and immediately influenced the game. She set up Kadidiatou Diani’s seventh‑minute strike before heading in herself from Diani’s cross in added time of the first half.

The French side’s ninth‑minute goal and the subsequent flood of scores marked the eighth‑largest victory in the team’s history, yet the match will be remembered most for Hurtré’s personal contribution.

“We knew we had 45 minutes to give everything,” Hurtré explained. “I’m a very calm player and I think that showed. I try to add something extra to the team.”

Coach Laurent Bonadei praised the left‑handed trio of Hurtré, Selma Bacha and Sakina Karchaoui, noting how quickly she integrated into their fluid play.

“I like having left‑footers on the left side,” Bonadei said, adding that Hurtré’s chemistry with the experienced duo helped her settle instantly.

The performance not only secured valuable points for France’s Coupe qualification but also etched a lasting memory for the young Birmingham talent.