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The Documentary: Paris: Football’s greatest talent factory

Paris: Football’s greatest talent factory

20/01/2024 GMT

BBC World Service - The Documentary, Paris: Football’s greatest talent factory

What is it about Paris's banlieues that helps create such amazing football talent?

Some call it the 'City of Love' and others the 'City of Lights', but would a more accurate nickname for Paris be the 'City of Football'? After all, not only were there 11 Parisians in the France World Cup squad - but there were also players born in the city's suburbs representing Morocco, Tunisia, Senegal, Qatar, Cameroon, Ghana, Portugal and Germany.

So what is it about the city’s banlieues that helps create such amazing football talent? BBC World Service goes inside the clubs that created Kylian Mbappe, William Saliba and Moussa Diaby, and speaks to the coaches who helped launch their incredible careers. We also meet some of the street footballers who turned into international stars.

We investigate why Paris Saint-Germain has often missed out on the talented players on its doorstep and hear about the dangers posed by agents, scouts and pushy parents eager to profit from the riches available to those who make it to the very top.

Presenter: John Bennett 
Producer: Sam Sheringham 

(Photo: Kingsley Coman celebrates his first goal with Kylian Mbappe during the game between France and Scotland, Decathlon Arena, 17 October, 2023. Credit: Xavier Laine/Getty Images)

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