Zinedine Zidane just unveiled his first France squad since taking the reins, and holy smokes, he’s shaking things up big time by bringing in five first-time call-ups for the upcoming Nations League games. This isn’t your grandma’s French national team anymore; Zizou is clearly building for what’s next, telling everyone that “Everyone will be involved” and he wants to “see these players and this team playing.”
Zizou’s Rookies Are Ready To Ball Out
We’re talking serious talent getting their first shot on the big stage. Up front, you’ve got Rennes striker Esteban Lepaul, who bagged 20 league goals last season and already has three this campaign, including a sick one against defending champ Paris Saint-Germain. Zidane loves his “different profile,” praising his ability in “tight spaces” and his goal-scoring knack. This dude clawed his way up from the lower leagues after Lyon rejected him, proving he’s got that fight you love to see. Then there’s Jeremy Jacquet, the 21-year-old Liverpool center back who made a massive €70 million move from Rennes this offseason. Zidane’s been tracking him forever, even from his youth team days playing with Zizou’s son! He’s got that “solid start” everyone wants to see. And don’t forget Como midfielder Lucas Da Cunha, Inter Milan’s Andy Diouf, and Toulouse goalkeeper Guillaume Restes rounding out this fresh wave of talent. Diouf is especially interesting, playing midfield for Inter but Zidane wants him at left back, calling it a “strong choice” along with recalling Adrien Truffert, whose only cap was four years ago. Fullback was a weak spot at this year’s World Cup, so Zidane is absolutely addressing it head-on.
Legends Are Out, New Era Is In
If you thought Zizou was going to lean on the old guard, think again. He straight-up ruled out a return for 38-year-old forward Karim Benzema and officially turned the page on 35-year-old midfielder N’Golo Kante’s international career. Can you believe it? Kante, the 2018 World Cup winner, is out! Zidane called him “extraordinary” but said, “N’Golo is 35 and I have made choices, which are different.” Same deal for Benzema, the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner, who Zizou adored as a coach at Real Madrid. But the message is clear: “I need to see younger players and what we will do together.” Zidane kept his squad tight at 23 players, too, unlike some nations. He said he didn’t want “players sitting in the stands,” which tells you everything about his focus on commitment and playing time. This isn’t just a squad; it’s a statement, harkening back to when Zidane himself led Les Bleus to glory in the ’98 World Cup and 2000 Euros.
France kicks off its Nations League run on September 25 in Turkey, then faces Belgium three days later, followed by home games against Italy on October 2 and another clash with Belgium on October 5. This is going to be our first real look at Zidane’s vision in action. What kind of fireworks will these new players bring? Get ready.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Fox Sports.
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