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Enzo Le Fee has praised former Rennes team-mate Desire Doue after a standout season for Paris Saint-Germain and the France national team. The Sunderland midfielder believes Doue’s rise to Champions League glory with PSG, and progress with France, reflects talent that was already clear when both played together in Ligue 1.
The pair shared a midfield at Rennes during the 2023-24 campaign, before their careers moved in different directions. Le Fee left for Roma, while PSG paid 50m to sign Doue. Under Luis Enrique, Doue helped PSG secure a first Champions League crown and three domestic trophies during a debut season at Parc des Princes.
Doue’s impact peaked in the Champions League final, when PSG defeated Inter 5-0. The attacking midfielder became the sixth player to both score and assist in a Champions League final. At 19 years and 362 days, Doue was also the youngest footballer to achieve that double in the competition’s showpiece match.
1+1 – Paris SGs Dsir Dou is the sixth different player to both score and assist in a UEFA Champions League final, while at 19 years and 362 days, hes the youngest to do so. Star. pic.twitter.com/6k8X0j3FvjOptaJoe (@OptaJoe) May 31, 2025">
In the 2025-26 season, injuries disrupted Doue’s rhythm early on, but form returned at a key stage. Against Monaco in the Champions League play-off, Doue collected player of the match honours in both legs. Across the tie, the PSG playmaker produced four direct goal contributions, with two goals and two assists.
"He was already really, really good. Young, but really strong and agile. Technically, he was unbelievable," Le Fee told Stats Perform.
"When I was playing with him, he didn't play too much because I think at that time he didn't always choose the right moment to use his skills and everything. But of course, we know that when you go to a big club, you learn this type of thing. And now it's just crazy. It's good because he keeps a little bit of his crazy side. I think he did well at club level and with the national team as well. So I'm really happy for him because he's a good guy. He was young, but he already worked like he was 30 years old. I think he's one of those players where you already know he's in his own world. Football, for him, is the only thing he's got."
Doue’s club success with PSG has run alongside important steps with France. The midfielder made a senior debut in the Nations League last season and also appeared in one World Cup qualifier. Those outings came ahead of this summer’s World Cup, where Doue is pushing for a more regular place with the national team.
While Doue builds status with PSG and France, Le Fee is impressing in England. The creative midfielder is in a first Premier League season with Sunderland and has adapted well. Performances there keep Le Fee in the conversation for future France squads, even if competition across midfield remains strong.
"Of course I think about it. Not about this year or this summer, to be honest, but it is one of my targets in my career to play a World Cup with my national team," added Le Fee. "First of all, to play for my national team. But if I can play one World Cup with my national team, I think that would be the top of my objectives. We are in the best league in the world. If I can perform in this league, why not?"
Le Fee’s comments highlight parallel paths for both players, shaped at Rennes and now spread across different leagues. Doue is already central to PSG’s Champions League ambitions and France’s future plans, while Le Fee continues to build a case at Sunderland. Their shared history underlines how Rennes’ midfield has produced two key names for club and country.
Story first published: Thursday, February 26, 2026, 18:27 [IST]
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