Some FC Metz supporters will watch the world football which begins, next November 20 in Qatar, with no doubt a little nostalgia, because several former club players at the Croix de Lorraine are engaged in this planetary competition.
Because of its privileged links with the Senegalin particular thanks to its partnership with the Génération Foot Academy, located near Dakar, the Teranga Lions are made up of a few ex-garnets.
Senegal, an outsider
- Kalidou Koulibaly
the Senegalese from Déodatie, made his professional debut in Metz in August 2010. The defender, who currently plays for Chelsea, left FC Metz in the summer of 2012, after relegation to National. - Ismaila Sarr
only stayed one season at FC Metz (2016-2017), but the Senegalese striker, with his burst of speed and his spectacular goals, made an impression. - Pope Matar Sarr
, a nugget launched by Fred Antonetti among professionals and which brought a nice check to the club at the Croix de Lorraine. The 21-year-old midfielder plays for Tottenham, even if he is struggling to penetrate the pro group. - Sadio Mane,
who wore the FC Metz jersey between January and August 2012 was selected, despite a knee injury.
After its victory at the last African Cup of Nations, Senegal would like to create a surprise at the World Cup. But the Lions of Teranga and its colony of former Messins will have to pass the group stage during which they will meet the Netherlands (21/11), Qatar (25/11) and Ecuador (29/11). ).
A fourth World Cup for Eiji Kawashima
He will celebrate his 40th birthday on March 20. Eiji Kawashima
kept the cages of FC Metz between 2016 and 2018, playing a total of 36 games in the garnet jersey.
Currently under contract with neighboring Strasbourg, the Japanese international will play in Qatar, his fourth in the world. In 2018, in Russia, Japan were knocked out in the round of 16 by Belgium, after having led 2-0
. Kawashima started that day.
In group E, Kawashima’s Japan will face Germany (23/11), then Costa Rica (27/11) and finally Spain (1/12).
A Bronn-Mbappé duel
He left FC Metz last summer, on a failure and a huge mess, that of relegation to Ligue 2. Dylan Bronn
wore the FC Metz jersey between January 2020 and last August.
Recruited from Gantoise, during the winter transfer window, 2 years ago, the native of Cannes was one of the architects of keeping Messin in Ligue 1 in May 2021, playing almost all the matches. But the season that followed was one of disillusionment, both individually and collectively. And his departure for Italy and Salernitana last summer turned out to be logical.
In Qatar, the Tunisian defender will participate in his second World Cup. In Russia, in 2018, he notably scored a headed goal against Belgium
but he also injured his knee during this match.
Another former Messin, in the Tunisian selection, the midfielder Ferjani Sassi
who wore the Messin jersey 40 times between February 2015 and May 2016.
In group D, Tunisia of Bronn and Sassi will face Denmark (22/11), then Australia (26/11) and finally France (30/11).
Rigobert Song, already very criticized in Cameroon
When he wore the club jersey at the Croix de Lorraine, between 1994 and 1998, Rigobert Song
was one of the darlings of St Symphorien. His aggressiveness and his rage to win conquered the Messin public.
Rigobert Song was named coach of the Indomitable Lions last February, and his team eliminated the formidable Algeria in the play-offs
.
But since this feat, the former Messin has been widely criticized in his country, notably after two worrying friendly defeats against Uzbekistan and South Korea.
In group G, Song’s Cameroon will face Switzerland (24/11), then Serbia (28/11) and finally Brazil (02/12).
A Quebecer passed by the St Symphorien playground
For the second time in its history, Canada will therefore participate in the World Cup. And the maple leaf selection has an old and little-known garnet in its ranks. Samuel Piettewho celebrated her 28th birthday on November 12, completed two internships in 2010 at the FC Metz MIFA
it is the club’s international academy at the Croix de Lorraine.
Then this midfielder joined the Grenats training center until 2012. And after FC Metz was relegated to National, he left to try his luck in Germany. Now Samuel Piette plays under the colors of CF Montreal in MLS.
In group F, Piette’s Canada will play against Belgium (23/11), Croatia (27/11) and finally Morocco (1/12).