Credit FIBA

Evan Fournier is back with France’s senior national team after a two-year absence, returning to Les Bleus following a standout season with Olympiacos that included a EuroLeague championship and Final Four MVP honors.

Fournier last represented France during its silver-medal run at the Paris 2024 Olympics. An ankle injury prevented him from playing internationally last summer, but the veteran guard said his passion for basketball made another return an easy choice.

“I thought about it. It crossed my mind. But I still love the game, so the decision was pretty quick,” Fournier said. “Unfortunately, last summer I couldn’t join France. I had an ankle injury.”

Although Fournier still wants to compete for titles, his priorities have changed as his international career enters its later stages.

“Of course, I want to win. But I’m not sure I’m as keen on winning gold as I was five or six years ago. I want to enjoy my last moments in this jersey. And help this young group,” he said.

With many of his longtime teammates gone, Fournier and Rudy Gobert are now among France’s most experienced players.

“All my guys have left. Rudy Gobert and I are the two oldest players left,” Fournier said, explaining that they now have a responsibility to guide the younger generation just as veterans helped them earlier in their careers.

Fournier also stressed that his reputation should not guarantee him a national-team spot.

“I’ve always been convinced that to make the French national team, you have to perform,” he said. “I’m not a fan of special treatment.”

France carries a 5–1 record into the final round of 2027 FIBA World Cup European qualifying. Les Bleus will face Slovenia in Paris on August 27 before meeting Sweden in Stockholm three days later.

Evan Fournier considered French national team retirement: “It crossed my mind”#FIBAWC #StepItUphttps://t.co/LyKRn9OA7t