Andrew Olsson
March 20, 2026Dual Nationals: Two French youth internationals switch allegiance to West African nations
Mamadou Diakhon. Photo: Club Brugge KV
Dual Nationals: Two French youth internationals switch allegiance to West African nations
Two top dual national prospects have switched their international futures from France after Club Brugge forward Mamadou Diakhon and Al Hilal attacker Mohamed Kader Meïte’s decisions were announced this week.
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Diakhon’s decision to represent Senegal was confirmed by the West African nation’s football federation on Thursday. The 20-year-old, who began his career with Stade Reims, has featured regularly for Brugge this season with 2 goals and 9 assists in 32 matches. He previously represented France in Euro U-19 qualifying as well as the Maurice Revello Tournament.
But the versatile attacker, who can operate on either flank, adds an intriguing option to the Senegalese selection. Diakhon was called up to the France U-21 team as recently as this month but turned down the call to join up with the Lions of Teranga for their upcoming friendly matches against Peru and The Gambia later this month.
For Meïte, a senior national team call may be a bit further away compared to Diakhon but the talented 18-year-old will now represent Ivory Coast.
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He will join up with the U-23 selection this month for a friendly doubleheader against Morocco in Rabat. Matches will take place on March 26 and March 30, where Meïte joins other prospects for the future such as Malick Yalcouyé and USM Alger striker Dramane Kamagaté.
Meïte has yet to make an impact at Saudi Pro League giants Al Hilal since joining for over €30 million from Stade Rennais in February. However, he is an intriguing recruitment for Les Éléphants in the future and Les Éléphanteaux in the present.
A traditional center forward, the prospect has impressive size and made over thirty appearances over two seasons for Rennes, scoring five goals. He played for France at the 2024 Euro U-17 and also participated in qualifying for the Euro U-19 and Euro U-21.