Lucas Da Cunha commits to France, ending possibility of playing for Portugal

From Como Captain to Les Bleus

The call-up from France manager Zinédine Zidane marked a significant career milestone for Da Cunha, who has become a central figure for Como during their rise through the Italian football pyramid. Having served as a captain for the Serie A side, the midfielder’s inclusion in the French squad was the culmination of a long-term development path that saw him represent France across multiple youth levels, totaling 28 appearances in various age-group categories.

While his Portuguese heritage had long kept him on the radar for potential selection by the Portuguese Football Federation, the prospect of him switching allegiances remained remote. His consistent integration into the French youth system made his eventual transition to the senior setup a logical progression rather than a surprise to those familiar with his development.

Early Career Challenges and Tactical Evolution

Da Cunha’s path to the highest level of European football was far from linear. Born in Roanne, he struggled to find a foothold in his youth, facing repeated rejections from clubs like Saint-Étienne, Lyon, and Dijon. In interviews, he has described himself as a “reticent” player during his teenage years, often prioritizing safe passes over the creative risks required to stand out.

His professional breakthrough eventually occurred at Rennes, where he won youth titles, though he struggled for senior minutes amidst the club’s UEFA Champions League ambitions. Subsequent spells at Nice, Lausanne, and Clermont provided the necessary competitive rhythm, but it was his move to Italy that transformed his profile. Under the guidance of Cesc Fàbregas—first as a teammate and later as his manager at Como—Da Cunha evolved into a technical, high-impact midfielder. His performance during the 2025/2026 season, which included six goals and five assists across 36 matches, solidified his status as one of the most effective players in his position in Serie A.

The Impact of the Decision

Although Da Cunha has previously expressed a deep personal affinity for Saint-Étienne and acknowledged the dream of one day playing for the club his family supports, his commitment to France is now absolute.

With his competitive debut in the Nations League, Da Cunha is no longer eligible to represent any other nation. This concludes a long-running question regarding his international future, as he now focuses on cementing his place in Zidane’s squad as they prepare for upcoming international fixtures.