In an exclusive meeting held at the iconic Grand Hyatt Athens, Bruno Cheyrou spoke exclusively to Manos Staramopoulos about world football, the major tournaments to come, national teams, academies and the timeless need for the sport to invest first in the person and then in the protagonist. A substantive dialogue, far from platitudes, with a man who continues to serve football with knowledge, experience and responsibility.

DF: Bruno, we have the final phase of the World Cup ahead of us in the summer of 2026. Which national teams do you think will claim the trophy?

“The World Cup is always a celebration, but also a mirror of the football era. I think that a few, but very strong teams will claim the trophy. First of all, France, my country’s national team. They have quality, depth and experience in major tournaments.

The England national team has an extremely talented generation of footballers, perhaps the most complete in recent decades. The Portuguese national team is an ideal mix of experience and young talent. And of course, one cannot ignore the Brazilian national team, even if for years it has not lived up to the expectations of its fans.

However, it is a real shame that the Greek national team will not participate. The World Cup needs teams like this, with identity and history.”

DF: Clairefontaine is considered a model worldwide. What is its secret?

“Clairefontaine is not just a football academy. It is a school of life. Not only good football players are created there, but also complete people. That is the most important thing.

The facilities are excellent, the environment is calm and protected, which plays a decisive role in shaping the character of children. Football first requires education and then talent.”

DF: Let’s go to the UEFA Champions League. Which teams stand out?

“There are 6-7 teams that can seriously dream. I’ll start with the title holder, Paris Saint-Germain. They have a wonderful team, full of talented football players.

Arsenal are having an excellent season. Inter have reached the final twice in recent years and know how to handle such situations.

Barcelona has young talent and the experience of Robert Lewandowski, while Real Madrid is always there when the stakes are high.”

DF: Italy is missing from the World Cup again. What went wrong?

“Yes, that is worrying. The Italian national team has not given the necessary emphasis to the academies. We only see 2-3 special talents, such as Nicolo Barella, Sandro Tonali or Moises Kean.

Without modern facilities and a long-term plan, talent is not enough. On the contrary, in England, excellent work is done, which is why the Premier League is the top league.”

DF: England does have an impressive squad…

“Exactly. They have players like Jude Bellingham, who stands out at Real Madrid, the winger, Bukayo Saka and the wonderful midfielder, Cole Palmer. This trio gives the national team immense strength.”

DF: And Brazil with Ancelotti on the bench?

“Carlo Ancelotti is trying to change things. Maybe there is a lack of an absolute leader, like in the past. Vinicius Junior and Neymar can help, if they are completely healthy — but no one can guarantee that.”

DF: Finally, let’s talk about Yamal. Is the new era coming?

“Every era gives birth to its own stars. After Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, yes, maybe it’s time for Lamine Yamal.

Along with him, Kylian Mbappe, Florian Wirtz , Desiree Due. Just like in tennis, after Nadal and Federer, we see Alcaraz.

Every 10-15 years, almost always, a new big star appears. "This is how the history of sports continues."