Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike scored his first goal for France on Thursday as they qualified for the 2026 World Cup in style.
Les Bleus will be one of the favourites to win the trophy next summer, and Ekitike has emerged into the squad at exactly the right time.
His status as one of Didier Deschamps’ go-to men was underlined with a brilliantly taken effort during Thursday’s 4-0 win over Ukraine in Paris.
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Ekitike has arguably been Liverpool’s best signing of the summer, having hit six goals in 16 appearances for the Reds.
The 23-year-old has become an instant hit at Anfield, with his infectious personality quickly endearing him to supporters.
And after he scored for his country for the very first time at the Parc des Princes, French media declared themselves to be totally won over by Ekitike as well.
Hugo Ekitike celebrates after scoring for France in their FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Ukraine
Photo by Xavier Laine/Getty Images
Hugo Ekitike earns big praise after maiden France goal
Liverpool fans are well aware of what Ekitike can do having seen him already deliver some magic for them over the course of the season so far.
Given he has only played four times for them, France supporters were perhaps less aware of the former PSG man’s qualities before Thursday evening.
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However, as Foot Mercato report, Ekitike has now become the ‘darling’ of a new-look France team under Deschamps.
Supporters are said to have been so impressed by the Liverpool striker’s goal that they afforded him a standing ovation as he celebrated.
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Ekitike is claimed to have ‘truly captivated’ the crowd, with his excellent run and finish simply the cherry on top of the cake.
Liverpool’s No. 22 reportedly brought ‘energy, spontaneity and precision in the final third’; exactly what the team had been missing prior to his 67th minute introduction.
Ekitike reacts to first France goal
One thing that has become clear about Ekitike during his time at Liverpool so far is that he is a man who likes to enjoy himself.
And why not? After his goal on Thursday, the £69m man admitted that he is living a ‘childhood dream’ just now.
“It’s a childhood dream,” Ekitike said. “Every time I get minutes on the pitch, I try to show my abilities and that I’m there to help the team, regardless of playing time and even off the pitch. I’m happy to be rewarded.
“For now, I’m keeping a cool head. I want to keep performing because I’m someone who’s enjoying himself and wants to continue doing what I’m doing.”
A place in Deschamps’ final World Cup squad now feels well within Ekitike’s reach. Hopefully plenty of goals for Liverpool before the end of the campaign will help to cement him there.