Main content

Paris: Football鈥檚 greatest talent factory

What is it about Paris's banlieues that helps create such amazing football talent?

Some call it the 'City of Love' and others the 'City of Lights', but would a more accurate nickname for Paris be the 'City of Football'? After all, not only were there 11 Parisians in the France World Cup squad - but there were also players born in the city's suburbs representing Morocco, Tunisia, Senegal, Qatar, Cameroon, Ghana, Portugal and Germany.

So what is it about the city鈥檚 banlieues that helps create such amazing football talent? 麻豆官网首页入口 World Service goes inside the clubs that created Kylian Mbappe, William Saliba and Moussa Diaby, and speaks to the coaches who helped launch their incredible careers. We also meet some of the street footballers who turned into international stars.

We investigate why Paris Saint-Germain has often missed out on the talented players on its doorstep and hear about the dangers posed by agents, scouts and pushy parents eager to profit from the riches available to those who make it to the very top.

Presenter: John Bennett
Producer: Sam Sheringham

(Photo: Kingsley Coman celebrates his first goal with Kylian Mbappe during the game between France and Scotland, Decathlon Arena, 17 October, 2023. Credit: Xavier Laine/Getty Images)

Available now

50 minutes

Last on

Thu 25 Jan 2024 00:06GMT

Broadcasts

  • Sat 20 Jan 2024 12:06GMT
  • Sun 21 Jan 2024 03:06GMT
  • Sun 21 Jan 2024 14:06GMT
  • Sun 21 Jan 2024 17:06GMT
  • Wed 24 Jan 2024 10:06GMT
  • Thu 25 Jan 2024 00:06GMT