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Internationals: 6 Standout Performances from Ligue 1 Players

With the final international break before this summer's World Cup having concluded, we take a look at which stars of Ligue 1 McDonald's have shone the brightest over the last week.
E. DEVIN
Published on 04/01/2026 at 13:00
3-minute read
Lyon forward Endrick made a decisive appearance off the bench in Brazil's win over Croatia

With the final international break before this summer's World Cup having concluded, we take a look at which stars of Ligue 1 McDonald's have shone the brightest over the last week.

Martial Godo, Côte d'Ivoire

Uncapped for Les Éléphants prior to being included in their recent squad alongside Strasbourg teammate Guéla Doué, Godo had a star turn against South Korea in a 4-0 friendly win. In the eleven on the left flank, his mazy run set up Evann Guessand for his side's opener, and he also scored just after the hour, building on what's been an impressive season for the Alsatians.

Valentín Barco, Argentina

Two years on from making his debut for the reigning world champions, Barco was back in Lionel Scaloni's squad, and he didn't disappoint against Zambia yesterday. Coming off the bench as Scaloni had opted for a first choice eleven, he was impressive indeed after replacing Leandro Paredes, battling hard in midfield and even scoring his first international goal in added time. While unlikely to play a starting role this summer, Barco proved his mettle and looks likely to continue to have a place for the Albiceleste.

Maghnes Akliouche, France

AS Monaco are Europe's form team, with a six-match winning run in Ligue 1 McDonald's, and much of that has been down to Akliouche. Previously seen as a promising player, since making his debut for Les Bleus in September, he has been impressive indeed, and against Colombia he turned in a devastating performance, showing plenty of effort on the flank and setting up Marcus Thuram just before the break. Like Barco, he is not part of France's first choice eleven, with Ousmane Dembélé firmly ahead of him in the pecking order, but his play has likely secured his spot in the US this summer.

Désiré Doué, France

As impressive as Akliouche was, after only coming off the bench against Brazil, Doué had the bit between his teeth against Colombia, scoring his first (and second) senior goal in a 3-1 win. The Paris Saint-Germain man, like Akliouche, probably won't crack Didier Deschamps' eleven, but his standout display coupled with his versatility surely warrant his inclusion in the squad. 

Endrick, Brazil

The Lyon loanee, who joined Les Gones in January with an eye toward being included in Carlo Ancelotti's squad, more than justified in his inclusion with a game-changing cameo against Croatia. Coming on late in the match, he first won a penalty to put his side ahead and then recorded an assist for Gabriel Martinelli, allowing his country to bounce back handsomely from a frustrating defeat to France last Thursday.  

Moses Simon, Nigeria

While Nigeria aren't participating in this summer's tournament, the veteran Paris FC winger -- who is nearing a century of caps for his country -- impressed in both of the Super Eagles' friendlies over the break. With goals against both Iran and Jordan, he now has a dozen for his country, more than a decade into what's been an impressive international career. 

Read more:

>> International roundup: Barco on target for Argentina and more

>> How Sochaux's rich tradition is helping France ahead of the World Cup

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