Liverpool defender Jeremy Jacquet's choice of an idol is a bit of a surprise, judging by his revelation on international duty. Young footballers tend to idolise players in their position or those whose journeys are comparable to theirs.
The 21-year-old centre-back revealed his idol to be former Manchester United star Paul Pogba, stating that he still looks up to the midfielder. The 33-year-old had endured a few difficult years and was released by AS Monaco this summer after an injury-hit spell.
Jacquet Makes Pogba Revelation Despite Manchester United-Liverpool Rivalry
Named in the senior French national team for the first time in his career, Jacquet is currently away with Les Bleus for their UEFA Nations League games.
The youngster spoke with French broadcaster Telefoot, revealing that he looked up to former Manchester United star Pogba growing up and that he used to watch Pogba's games regularly.
“Paul Pogba has always been my role model, and he still is. I used to watch him all the time!", he said.
Jeremy Jacquet joined Liverpool from boyhood club Stade Rennais this summer, with a €60 million deal having been agreed between both parties in January.
His final season in France coincided with Pogba signing for a French top-flight side for the first time in his career.
For Jacquet, November 22, 2025 will be an unforgettable date, as it was the day when his Rennes side faced Pogba's AS Monaco.
The youngster was one of the best performers on the pitch, recording the joint-most defensive contributions as his team ran out 4-1 winners.
Pogba was given a five-minute cameo in the game, as it was his debut for Les Monegasques and his first match in over two years.
He would go on to play only five more times for the Principality club before recurrent injury problems led them to terminate his contract this summer.
Jeremy Jacquet Making Significant Strides for Club and Country
Jacquet has been a revelation for a Liverpool side that desperately needed him to be a good signing after a disappointing 2025-26 season for them.
The young defender came into the season with only 45 minutes of friendly action since early February, but has hardly put a foot wrong so far.
His performances have earned him rave reviews and praise from captain Virgil van Dijk and club legend Jamie Carragher, among others.
He also caught the attention of new France coach Zinedine Zidane, who subsequently invited him into the senior national team fold for their first four UEFA Nations League games.
He was an unused substitute in their first game, a 1-0 win over Turkiye, but has played every minute of each of their last two games.
Against Belgium, he helped the team to keep a clean sheet, completing 92% of his passes and recording seven defensive contributions, while also winning six of nine duels.
Against Italy, he completed 100% of his passes and recorded eight defensive contributions, winning four of seven duels.
The youngster's case was helped by the injuries to Ibrahima Konate and William Saliba, but he has certainly played his way into the plans of coach Zidane and can expect to feature in the final game of the window against Belgium.
