French National Team's 550,000 Euro Double Bonus Sparks Controversy After 2026 World Cup Qualification

On November 13, 2025, the French national football team secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup with a decisive 4-0 victory over Ukraine. Following this success, the team requested and received a double bonus payment amounting to 42,000 euros per player, doubling the usual 21,000 euros bonus. This payment applied to both the starting eleven and twelve substitutes, as well as the entire coaching and support staff, resulting in a total expenditure of approximately 550,000 euros by the French Football Federation (FFF).

The request was made through the team captain Kylian Mbappé to FFF president Philippe Diallo, who approved it despite the federation currently facing a financial deficit of 8.7 million euros. Diallo justified the decision by highlighting the crucial economic role the national team plays for the FFF, describing the team as “the economic lung of the federation.” He emphasized that this financial recognition was warranted due to the players’ contributions.

Although the bonus decision sparked some internal questioning within the federation, Diallo reassured that the distribution would not undermine the FFF’s broader commitments, noting plans to continue record financial support for amateur football across France. Furthermore, the federation anticipates a financial boost from a renewed contract with Nike, estimated at nearly 100 million euros starting July 1, 2026.

This controversy has drawn public attention due to the high bonus amount during a financially fragile period for the FFF. Nonetheless, the federation leadership sees the investment as a justified reward for the team’s outstanding performance and pivotal role in elevating French football's profile and revenue streams.