Zinédine Zidane names first France squad with major new faces

13:05

Zinédine Zidane has begun his tenure as France manager with a squad that signals a clear willingness to introduce new faces while maintaining a core of established international players.

The former Real Madrid coach announced his first 23-man France squad on Friday ahead of the national team's upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures. Several selections stand out, particularly the inclusion of players making their first appearances at senior level.

New faces headline Zidane's first squad

Among the most notable choices is Estéban Lepaul, the Rennes forward whose performances have earned him a first call-up to the senior national team. His selection reflects the impact of his strong start to the campaign and his individual performances during the previous season.

Zidane has also opened the door to Jérémy Jacquet, the Liverpool centre-back, who receives his first senior France call-up. Goalkeeper Guillaume Restes of Toulouse is another newcomer, adding competition to the goalkeeping group alongside established international Mike Maignan.

The squad therefore combines emerging talent with players already familiar with the demands of international football.

Experienced players remain central

Zidane has not opted for a complete break with the past. Pierre Kalulu, whose performances in Italy have brought him back into the spotlight, returns to the France setup as an option at right-back.

The midfield also features a number of players entrusted with greater responsibility. Lucas Da Cunha has been recalled, while Andy Diouf is included as part of a versatile midfield unit.

The next generation of French leaders remains firmly at the heart of the team. Captain Kylian Mbappé is joined by Eduardo Camavinga and Warren Zaïre-Emery, while players such as Rayan Cherki and Désiré Doué add further attacking and creative options.

A demanding start to the Zidane era

The new France coach will have little time to settle into his position. The team is scheduled to play four Nations League matches in quick succession.

France will travel to Turkey on September 25, before facing Belgium away on September 28. The schedule then takes the team back home for a meeting with Italy on October 2, followed by another encounter with Belgium three days later.

The sequence will provide Zidane with an immediate test of his tactical choices and his ability to integrate several new players into the national setup.

France squad announced by Zidane

Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Guillaume Restes (Toulouse), Robin Risser (Lens).

Defenders: Andy Diouf (Inter Milan), Jérémy Jacquet (Liverpool), Pierre Kalulu (Juventus), Ibrahima Konaté (Real Madrid), Jules Koundé (Barcelona), Maxence Lacroix (Chelsea), Adrien Truffert (Bournemouth), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich).

Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid), Rayan Cherki (Manchester City), Lucas Da Cunha (Como), Manu Koné (AS Roma), Adrien Rabiot (AC Milan), Warren Zaïre-Emery (PSG).

Forwards: Bradley Barcola (Liverpool), Ousmane Dembélé (PSG), Désiré Doué (PSG), Estéban Lepaul (Rennes), Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich).