Lucas Digne has broken his silence on France's devastating 2-0 World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain, expressing deep remorse over the penalty he conceded that proved decisive in Les Bleus' exit from the tournament. The 32-year-old left-back's foul on teenage sensation Lamine Yamal handed Spain the opening goal from the penalty spot, a moment that ultimately cost his nation a place in the final.
Two days after the heartbreaking loss in North America, Digne posted a lengthy message on Instagram reflecting on the "immense disappointment" of seeing a lifelong dream slip away. The experienced defender had fought his way back into Didier Deschamps' starting XI during the tournament, featuring in every match except the group-stage encounters against Senegal and Norway. This prominent role made his crucial error all the more difficult to process. "First of all, I am disappointed in myself," Digne wrote. "Also disappointed for this team, for all the efforts we put in, and for this group of incredible players."
Personal Milestone Overshadowed by Tournament Exit
The semi-final represented a significant personal milestone for the former Barcelona defender, marking his second World Cup appearance exactly 12 years after his first tournament. Having been overlooked for France's triumphant 2018 campaign in Russia and the 2022 edition in Qatar, Digne had enjoyed a resurgence in the national team setup before the disaster struck. His absence from recent major tournaments made this opportunity particularly precious, only to end in such painful circumstances.
Despite the heartbreak, Digne maintained perspective about his international contribution. "Despite this immense disappointment, I remain proud to have represented our country, with all its richness, its diversity, and all the people who make it up," he stated. He expressed gratitude for the travelling support and the emotional journey throughout the competition, acknowledging the collective effort that had carried France to the semi-finals.
Bronze Medal Opportunity Remains
The tournament is not yet finished for the French squad, as they must face England in a third-place play-off on Saturday. Digne demonstrated determination to salvage something from his World Cup experience, telling followers: "It's not over, we have a podium to play for." The match offers a chance to secure a bronze medal and restore some pride before the squad disperses.
Looking ahead, Digne's summer will conclude with a high-profile return to Ligue 1, where he is set to complete his move to Paris Saint-Germain following the conclusion of the tournament. The move represents another chapter in his career, but first he remains focused on delivering for France in the consolation fixture.
