Desire Doue’s Laugh During France Celebration Branded a ‘Historic Meme’

Desire Doue has gone viral after cameras caught him laughing behind Rayan Cherki during France’s 4-1 Nations League victory over Belgium.

The footage shows Cherki walking away after scoring France’s second goal before Doue appears over his shoulder, grins and then bursts into laughter directly behind him.

The contrast between Cherki’s serious expression and Doue’s laughter immediately caught the attention of supporters online.

One widely shared X post described the moment as a “historic meme”. By Tuesday night, it had received more than 884,000 views, 72,000 likes and 2,800 reposts.

Doue had entered the match as a substitute in the 72nd minute with France trailing 1-0 at the Stade de France.

He equalised five minutes later before Cherki completed the turnaround in the 81st minute. Michael Olise then scored twice during the closing stages, with Doue providing the assist for both goals.

France scored all four of their goals inside the final 14 minutes, giving Zinedine Zidane his first home victory as national-team manager.

Doue finished his appearance with one goal and two assists, while his laughter behind Cherki supplied the game’s most widely shared reaction.