World Cup 2026: ‘Biggest fools’ – Jean-Michel Larque slams France over Ballon d’Or winner Dembele

Former France midfielder, Jean-Michel Larque, has slammed the Les Bleus for not using reigning Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele in his natural position ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament.

Speaking ahead of France’s World Cup opener against Senegal on June 16, Larque insisted that France is the only country not playing a Ballon d’Or winner in his natural position.

“We are the only country that doesn’t play the Ballon d’Or winner in his natural position. I’m afraid we are the biggest idiots,” Larque said (as per MCSport).

“I would have liked to see Mbappe play for 45 minutes in his natural position during the preseason matches. You have to field a team with Olise on the right, Dembele in the centre, and Mbappe on the left. Is that forbidden?

“We will continue to sacrifice the Ballon d’Or winner. We are the only country that doesn’t play the Ballon d’Or winner in his natural position. I’m afraid we are the biggest fools.”

Dembele is coming off another superb season with Paris Saint-Germain, scoring 20 goals and registering 11 assists in 40 games across competitions.