Wolfsburg defender earns surprise France call-up after Kalulu injury
VfL Wolfsburg's Saël Kumbedi has received a surprise call-up to the French national team, replacing injured Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu.
| Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images |
France coach Zinédine Zidane has handed a maiden senior international call-up to VfL Wolfsburg defender Saël Kumbedi.
The French Football Federation (FFF) has confirmed that Kumbedi will join the squad as a replacement for injured Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu.
With the Frenchman currently playing in the 2. Bundesliga, his inclusion comes as a significant surprise.
The 21-year-old has previously represented France at U21, U20, U19, U18 and U17 level.
He initially joined Wolfsburg on loan from Olympique Lyonnais in August 2025, before the move was made permanent.
Kumbedi has made nine appearances for Die Wölfe across all competitions this season.
