Picked out for stardom at 18, goalkeeper Brice Samba is finally fulfilling his "dream" and going to the World Cup at 32 after a career he describes as "a series of highs, lows, and then highs again".
The Rennes 'keeper will travel to North America as the backup in the France squad behind Mike Maignan.
"Simply a childhood dream," he told AFP in an exclusive interview. "Because it's the pinnacle of football, a World Cup. I'm very proud to be able to participate with a nation like France. It's a huge recognition of my hard work, because I've never given up, I've always believed, and these are wonderful stories I'll tell my grandchildren."
Samba made his debut for Le Havre, in the second division at the time, in the French Cup in 2012 and at the end of the season was picked up by high flyers Marseille.
"At 18, Marseille came looking for me to be Steve Mandanda's No 2, with zero professional experience," he said. "But I got too big for my boots, and everyone caught up with me.
"I had to take stock, reassess the situation."
Samba said he was able to rely on his father, Brice Samba Senior.
"My father, a former Congolese international goalkeeper, helped me a lot by praising hard work. I learned from setbacks and setbacks. There were a few tears too. But that's what makes a man. And now, I'm very fulfilled."
"When I arrived in Marseille, I had quite a few offers. Then four years later, far fewer," he said. "It was a bit hard to accept, but I didn't have a choice."
'EVERYONE MATURES IN THEIR OWN TIME'
After making a handful of appearances in four seasons at Marseille, Samba moved to Caen where he finally became a regular starter in a season that ended with relegation.
He then moved to England where he played three seasons in the Championship for Nottingham Forest before returning to Ligue 1 with Lens, where he attracted the attention of France coach Didier Deschamps. He then joined Rennes.
"Everyone matures in their own time," he said.
Samba was first called into the France squad in 2023 and won his first cap, aged 29, that June.
"When I was younger, I was approached by the Congo national team. But I always believed I could make it to the French national team thanks to my qualities and what I could do on the pitch." he said.
"Everything just had to fall into place for my potential to shine. It makes me proud because I joined the French national team at 27 or 28. These days, that might be considered late."
He says he knows he might spend the World Cup watching Maignan, the AC Milan goalkeeper.
"I'll be there if they call on me," he said. "I know the role I have to play in this group: to support Mike to help him and push him to perform."
"I hate having regrets. So I'm doing everything I can to make sure things go well. Knowing that this is my first World Cup and maybe my last. So, I'm going to give it my all."
"If I write a book later, there will be a lot to tell. I describe my career as a series of highs, lows, and then highs again.
--------------------------------
Where to watch the FIFA World Cup 2026™
Fans can watch every FIFA World Cup 2026™ match live on DStv Premium, Compact Plus, Compact, Family and Access. All matches are also available to stream on supported packages, ensuring flexible viewing options wherever you are.
How to stream the FIFA World Cup 2026™
With DStv Stream, you can follow every match anytime, anywhere. Download the app and enjoy seamless live streaming on the go.