Nkunku: France have three teams to win World Cup, Rabiot ‘a beast’

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During his interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, Milan striker Christopher Nkunku praised many of his Rossoneri teammates and said France could compete to win the World Cup with three different teams.

Milan striker Nkunku has been in excellent form in recent weeks, scoring one Serie A goal every 63 minutes since the end of December.

Despite being linked with leaving the Rossoneri in the January window, Nkunku insisted that he never considered leaving the club last month.

During his interview with Gazzetta, Nkunku spoke highly of many of his Milan teammates, including his compatriots Adrien Rabiot and Mike Maignan.

Nkunku and Rabiot are Milan’s best scorers in 2026.

“Adrien always been like this; maybe he’s just more decisive now,” Nkunku said.

“Allegri wants him to play more in attack, while before he used to be more defensive. Adrien has a phenomenal shot, and he runs so much. I think he could play 90 minutes every day because he’s never tired. He’s at the peak of his career, between 29 and 31 years old. He has no limits; he always pushes on and off the pitch. He’s a beast.”

Maignan has recently extended his Milan contract and has been a crucial player for the Serie A giants this term. The French keeper saved penalty kicks against Inter and Roma, so Nkunku was asked whether he can score consistently from the spot in training, against his compatriot.

“I would say it’s 50-50, Mike has helped us earn points,” the striker replied.

“He has great leadership inside the dressing room. Everyone listens to him when he says something. He always speaks for the team’s good, as a true captain. We couldn’t tell him to stay, but now that he has extended his contract, we are calmer. It’s good for the club that he stays.”

Do the French players in the Milan team talk much about the upcoming World Cup?

“Not much, because now we are all focused on winning at Milan,” Nkunku said.

“The World Cup will be in three or four months, and if we give our best for the club, we’ll have more chances to be called up.”

The French forward sustained an injury just a few days before the start of the 2022 World Cup.

“It was sad; every footballer dreams of playing at the World Cup. Now I must work to make it happen,” Nkunku said.

“France are really strong. We could have three teams, and each would be competitive to win, because we have youth sectors that work well.”

Nkunku faced two final questions about other Milan stars, Rafael Leao and Luka Modric. Who is faster? Nkunku or Leao?

“Long distances, probably Rafa, but shorter distances, maybe myself,” Nkunku replied.

“Luka [Modric] is super, he has a unique quality and makes some fantastic long passes with the outside of his foot. If I even try, my hip goes out. It’s unbelievable that he’s 40. He could still play until 45 or 46.”

Quick take: Match context: momentum and small details could decide this one, especially set-pieces and transitions. Form and fitness will matter; expect managers to rotate carefully around the congested schedule. We’ll keep an eye on confirmed details as the story develops from official sources.