FEATURE | Désiré Doué – a physical phenomenon blessed with Neymar’s feet | OneFootball

Bradley Barcola (22) stole the limelight at the start of the year and now it is the turn of Désiré Doué (19). The latter took time to acclimatise at Paris Saint-Germain following his move from formative club Stade Rennais in the summer, however, he has come into his own in 2025 and has already scored 12 goals and registered 12 assists, surpassing the “10-10” that is the benchmark for attacking players of his profile.

His performances in March saw him awarded the UNFP Player of the Month Award and at just 19, his explosion onto the scene has seen comparisons drawn with Kylian Mbappé (26) – comparisons that he wishes to shirk. “I’ve already been told that, but I am Désiré Doué, Kylian is Kylian. He is a sensational player. He has already done exceptional things in football and I am trying to make my own path,” he told Téléfoot.

Bayern Munich and Monaco among clubs to fail in Doué pursuit

He could have further traced Mbappé’s steps. As Adi Hütter told Get French Football News in an exclusive interview, AS Monaco, Mbappé’s formative club, showed interest in the forward in the summer. “He could have signed for lots of clubs,” admitted Luis Enrique, with Bayern Munich also an insistent suitor during the window. “But he joined PSG. He thought it was the best solution for him, and he has made his international debut since,” added the PSG manager.

The international call-up earlier this year was deserved but by no means a given. France have a wealth of quality in the positions that Doué occupies, whilst there was also lobbying for the inclusions of the likes of Maghnes Akliouche and Rayan Cherki, both of whom are yet to make their debuts for Les Bleus.

For France, as for PSG, Doué’s versatility is a huge asset. Capable of playing on both wings, in the No.10 or – as he showed for Rennes – in a deeper No.8 role, he is a manager’s dream. It is the case particularly for Luis Enrique, who prioritises technical ability in his forward line. Former Parisien Neymar Jr. is Doué’s idol and it certainly shows in his game.

‘Genetics shined brightly on him’

However, Doué is not one-dimensional and also has the physique to match, which allows him to play in a deeper role where his technical ability is equally as important. Given Antoine Griezmann’s retirement from international football and his conversion to a No.8 role late in his France career, there is a position to be seized.

“He is one of the most complete athletes that I have worked with,” Alan Berrou, sports and physical trainer of the France U21 side, told L’Équipe. “He is a good mix of strength and dynamism. Genetics shined brightly on him,” added Philippe Bizeul, who worked with the player as an assistant whilst at Rennes.

However, Doué also possesses those intangibles that can make a good player great or a great player exceptional; it looks increasingly possible that the Frenchman fits into the latter category. Similar in style and in his ability to destabilise his opponent, Ousmane Dembélé (27) identified what he admires most in his PSG teammate.

Only Yamal out-ranks Doué

“I already knew him from Rennes. He is a young player bursting with talent. I think he will go far. He is very mature for his age, professional. What impresses me the most? His professionalism, at his age he is really, really professional,” said Dembélé.

In terms of players born in 2005 or after, only Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal (35) has more goal contributions than Doué (24) in Europe’s top five divisions. In his age group, he is at the elite level, as was apparent when he was coming through the ranks at Rennes, and he has all the tools and the quality to remain at that elite level for years to come.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle