Live on Friday, Zinédine Zidane eyes five fresh faces for France
Live from the headquarters of the French Football Federation (FFF) this Friday, Zinédine Zidane will announce the first France squad of his tenure, revealing a shortlist of five players who could earn their inaugural call‑up. The move offers the legendary number ten a chance to break with his predecessor Didier Deschamps and to refresh a side already targeting Euro 2028.
Jacquet’s rapid rise at Liverpool
Jérémy Jacquet, the 21‑year‑old left‑sided centre‑back who moved from Stade Rennais FC to Liverpool FC for around €64 million this summer, has quickly become Virgil van Dijk’s partner. He started five of Liverpool’s first six league games and featured 45 minutes in the 3‑1 EFL Cup win over Tottenham Hotspur. His early impact in England makes him a strong candidate for Zidane’s revamped defence.
Ganiou’s breakthrough after a peripatetic start
Ismaëlo Ganiou, a Franco‑Burkinabé product of the RC Lens academy, returned from a loan spell at FC Annecy to become a fixture in Pierre Sage’s side at the start of winter 2025. Despite his youth, he has established himself as a key prospect in the Lens defence and could provide fresh depth for Les Bleus.
Lepaul’s goal‑scoring surge propels him forward
Estéban Lepaul, now 26, climbed from the third tier to Ligue 1’s top scorer with 21 goals in the 2025‑26 season for Stade Rennais FC. After a stint at SCO Angers and a European debut with Rennes, his prolific form puts him on the brink of a France call‑up, fulfilling a long‑standing ambition.
Dayann Methalie, the 20‑year‑old left‑back who transferred from Toulouse FC to Sunderland AFC after a summer saga, has made only one appearance out of a possible six. Nevertheless, his speed and power have kept him on the radar, and many expected him in Didier Deschamps’ World Cup squad. Zidane now sees him as a logical next step for the national team.
Andy Diouf, 23, reinvented himself at Inter Milan after spells at FC Basel and RC Lens. Re‑positioned as a right‑sided attacking midfielder in Cristian Chivu’s system, his ability to cut inside onto his left foot has impressed observers, making him a credible candidate for Zidane’s France roster.
The five profiles, compiled by Get French Football News, illustrate the fresh blood Zidane may introduce as France prepares for Euro 2028. The announcement on Friday will confirm whether these players, highlighted in the feature, will indeed kick off the new era for the French national side. For further details, the original story can be found HERE.