Jules Kounde reacts before the UEFA Nations League match between Belgium and France in Brussels, Belgium, on September 28, 2026. (Photo by Alex Nicodim/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Gill Clark Gill Clark is the site manager of Barca Blaugranes and joined in 2017. She has worked in sports media as a writer and editor for the best part of two decades and has been in love with the beautiful game for as long as she can remember.
Jules Kounde has lost his place in the starting XI at Barcelona this season and now looks to be facing a battle on the international scene as well with France.
The defender started France’s 1-0 win over Turkiye at the start of the international break but hasn’t played a single minute for Zinedine Zidane’s side since.
The new French boss has overseen a win over Belgium and a draw with Italy in the Nations League without using Kounde, preferring Pierre Kalulu at right-back in those two games.
Kounde is no stranger to the bench. He’s started just two games so far this season for Barcelona, with Eric Garcia emerging as Hansi Flick’s preferred choice at right-back.
The defender said at the World Cup he was hoping to have a “better season” with Barcelona in 2026-27 but is currently finding it hard to convince Flick he deserves to be first choice.
France play again on Monday night against Belgium and it will be interesting to see if Zidane sticks with Kalulu or gives Kounde another chance in his starting XI.