Yoann Gourcuff, the truth restored 16 years after the Knysna fiasco

Pierre Ménès returned to the real ordeal experienced by Yoann Gourcuff in the French team during the 2010 World Cup.

By Manu Tournoux · French Football Weekly

Published: Monday, 26 October 2026 at 2:29 PM

Key Things to Know

Pierre Ménès revealed that Yoann Gourcuff was ostracized by senior teammates during the 2010 World Cup.
Ménès identified Nicolas Anelka, Éric Abidal, Patrice Evra, and Florent Malouda as the players targeting Gourcuff.
According to Ménès, an internal video review proved that teammates consistently refused to pass to Gourcuff.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Former Canal+ consultant Pierre Ménès shared details on his YouTube channel regarding Yoann Gourcuff's mistreatment at the 2010 World Cup. Ménès claimed that Gourcuff was psychologically targeted and ostracized by senior French squad members during the tournament in South Africa.

According to Ménès, teammates Nicolas Anelka, Éric Abidal, Patrice Evra, and Florent Malouda deliberately froze Gourcuff out. Ménès alleged that Malouda refused to defend for Gourcuff and that a team video review confirmed other players systematically refused to pass him the ball.

Read the full article on French Football Weekly

Yoann Gourcuff, the truth restored 16 years after the Knysna fiasco

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