A moment of potential significance looms for Kounde in the upcoming match against Getafe at the Spotify Camp Nou. He could become the most capped French player in Barcelona’s history, surpassing Eric Abidal’s 193 appearances for the club. Kounde has already equalled that record with his appearance against Feyenoord in the UEFA Champions League, and across his 193 outings for Barcelona, he has contributed 10 goals and 22 assists. Whether he gets the chance to reach the milestone against Getafe remains to be seen.
The drop in minutes has been noticeable. Kounde has started on the bench in six of Barcelona’s first seven La Liga games this season, and in several cases has not taken the field. In the current campaign, he has logged just 261 minutes in La Liga and the Champions League, with Eric Garcia favored as the starting right-back. During an international break with France, Kounde acknowledged that his reduced role reflects his performances from the previous season, which he described as below his own standards. His position with the national team is also less secure under new coach Zidane, who has emphasized merit over automatic selections.
Despite these challenges, Kounde has stated his intention to stay with Barcelona, where his contract runs until 2030. He aims to work harder, improve his form, and earn back Flick’s trust to reclaim his previous level. The coming weeks will be crucial as he seeks to reestablish his place in both Barcelona’s lineup and the French squad while pursuing a historic personal milestone.
