Pro League: Steve Ngoura impresses France under Zidane's watch

In the dressing room of Cercle de Bruges, Steve Ngoura, the new striker, adjusts his boots under the curious eyes of journalists. The forward, who arrived from Le Havre in January 2025, has just been called up to the French U21 team, a selection praised by Zinédine Zidane.

Seventy‑eight players, including Steve Ngoura, left Belgium during the break.

The forward of Cercle de Bruges has joined the French U21s.

Arriving from Le Havre in January 2025, he stands out for his power at the tip of Cercle de Bruges' attack.

Having scored five goals this season, he is the designated striker of the French U21s with five goals in six qualifying matches for the Euro.

During his press conference, he mainly mentioned Saël Kumbedi's selection for the French national team.

The Wolfsburg full‑back, who only plays in the German second division, was initially supposed to join Ngoura at the U21s, but Pierre Kalulu's injury gave him his first call‑up to the senior squad.

I did all my training with him. We sort of had classes together, we were at middle school and high school together. We laughed about it. I know he worked a lot to get there. It's not an end point, but it's a big step and I'm proud of him.

Zidane opens the way for the youngsters

It's true that with Zinédine Zidane's arrival, we see that there are pathways. By working, I think it can become more accessible for everyone.

Zinédine came to watch us at a U21 training session. He told us that the A team wasn't that far away. With work, we could get there, and I felt that it was true. He proved it through actions. We saw Leny Yoro get promoted. Then he went straight there this time without any injury to replace. And now, it's Saël.