Rennes-owned centre-back Jonathan Do Marcolino has expressed immense pride following his first call-up to the Gabonese national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifying playoff against Nigeria’s Super Eagles in Rabat.
The 19-year-old defender, born in Lens, France, joins his cousin Alan Do Marcolino in coach Thierry Mouyouma’s 26-man squad for the November internationals. While Jonathan has represented France at the U16 level, scoring on his debut in a friendly against Luxembourg in March 2022, he remains eligible to play for France at U21 level.
Speaking to L’Union, Jonathan said, “I’m not surprised because I’m a competitor and I wanted to represent my country. So I’m happy to accept my first call-up to the Gabonese national team.”
He added, “Yes, of course! I am very happy and proud to represent my country. It’s something I’ve wanted since I was very young. I have no emotional conflict. Certainly, I was born in France, in Lens, but my father and mother are both Gabonese. So I am first and foremost Gabonese by blood.”
Jonathan described his playing style, saying, “My primary strength lies in duels. I am a rigorous defender, to put it simply. I will repay the technical staff and the Gabonese public for the trust they have placed in me.”
Gabon’s squad for the Super Eagles clash also features several French-born players, including Laval native Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. FIFA rules state that dual-nationals under the age of 21 can only become cap-tied to a nation after four appearances, at least one of which must be in a competitive match, meaning Jonathan could still switch allegiance in the future.
