Jean Butez joins French squad for duels against Red Devils

Jean Butez, 31‑year‑old former goalkeeper of Antwerp, has been added by French national coach Zinédine Zidane to the squad for the upcoming Nations League matches, including the clash with the Red Devils on 28 September at the Stade Roi Baudouin. He will join the Bleus next week at Clairefontaine and replaces the not fully fit Lens goalkeeper Robin Risser.

Replacement of Robin Risser

Jean Butez replaces the Lens goalkeeper Robin Risser, who is not fully fit. Risser, who plays for RC Lens, will miss the match. Butez, former goalkeeper of Mouscron and of the Pro League club Antwerp, brings experience.

The 31‑year‑old goalkeeper has 170 matches for Antwerp to his name. He was never called up by former national coach Didier Deschamps. His recent performances in Italy and in the Champions League attracted the attention of Zinédine Zidane.

Outlook on the Nations League matches

France starts the Nations League phase with an away match in Turkey on 25 September. Afterwards the country hosts Italy on 2 October at home. The first clash with the Red Devils, i.e. Belgium, takes place on 28 September at the Stade Roi Baudouin, followed by a second duel on 5 October at the Stade de France.

Zidane makes debut against Turkey in Nations League appearance

Butez will join the Bleus next week at the training centre Clairefontaine, his first encounter with the French national team. His arrival marks his first call‑up for an international squad. He joins a squad that Zidane is assembling for the first time.

The French football federation announced the change on Sunday evening. In a press conference Zidane presented the final list. The announcement was also reported in Sports Football.

Zidane's France lose defender ahead of Nations League clash with Turkey

The inclusion of Butez underscores Zidane’s willingness to look beyond the usual pool. With his experience he can provide an extra option in goal. For France this means more depth in a crucial phase of the Nations League.