Rated as one of the best young talents in France, Marie-Antoinette Katoto has made a string of strong performances with Paris Saint-Germain since the start to the season. Enough to receive a first ever France call-up ?
31st May 2018 : the Paris Saint-Germain women’s team clinched its first major trophy since the start of the Qatari era by beating Olympique Lyonnais (1-0) in the French Cup final. A win earned thanks to a stunner scored by Marie Antoinette Katoto : a rainbow flick followed by a perfect volley.
It was the end of a tremendous 2017-2018 campaign for the PSG young striker who scored 21 goals in the French league and has been named best young player of the French top flight.
However, this campaign has been a tiring one for the Colombes-born who struggled then during the summer with the France U20 team. Barely used during the Sud Ladies Cup 2018 due to an injury, she also took part in the World Cup U20 without scoring a single goal.
Her mixed performances at the international level over the last weeks were monitored closely by the France senior team head coach Corinne Diacre who decided to not select her for the upcoming friendlies. “She is part of an extended list. We are talking about that for a year. We made her available to play the World Cup U20 and her performance didn’t meet the expectations. So, in a mutual agreement with the PSG coach Olivier Echouafni, I have decided to not include her in the squad. She needs time to get herself back on track”, said Diacre about the 19-year-old.
Despite this disappointment, the PSG striker is impressive since the start of the current season. She has already netted six goals in as many games played in all competitions.
The Parisian looks more determined than ever to earn a France call-up and to be selected for the World Cup 2019.
Amayes Brahmi
Credits photo : Getty Images