Unexpected Hero Bouabré Propels France U20 to World Cup Semi-Finals After Saudi Switch
Buenos Aires, Argentina – Saïmon Bouabré, the 19-year-old who controversially traded a promising future at AS Monaco for a lucrative contract in the Saudi Pro League, emerged as the unlikely hero for France’s Under-20 team, scoring both goals in a crucial 2-1 victory over Norway on Monday night. The win secured France’s place in the FIFA U-20 World Cup semi-finals, where they will face Morocco on Wednesday evening.
Bouabré’s dramatic intervention comes just months after he justified his move to NEOM, stating that manager Christophe Galtier had promised him important playing time – a guarantee Monaco couldn’t offer. “Christophe Galtier came and said to me: ‘You’re going to play.’ This is what I was looking for,” Bouabré explained in an interview with Foot Mercato last summer.His departure for just over €10 million raised eyebrows, given his limited first-team experience at Monaco (161 minutes).
The timing of Bouabré’s impact is particularly noteworthy. He was only released by NEOM for the tournament due to the international break, meaning he missed the group stage matches. Had the Saudi Pro League schedule not accommodated the competition, Bouabré wouldn’t have been available to deliver his match-winning performance. He scored with a composed finish and a stunning half-volley, earning him Man of the Match honors.
Despite starting all four of NEOM’s Saudi Pro League matches to date,Bouabré has yet to register a goal or assist. Now, the young forward will look to continue his extraordinary form and lead France towards a potential World Cup final.
