Zidane injects renewal into the French, but Deschamps draws criticism
Zinedine Zidane has breathed a fresh wind into the French national team from his first steps at the helm of the Bleus, where the record stands at three wins and one draw in four matches, marking a promising start under the direction of Didier Deschamps.
This first gathering was marked by the arrival of many newcomers. No fewer than six players thus earned their first call‑up to the French national team. The squad has accumulated three wins and one draw in four matches. Among them, debuts in defense and midfield have enriched the collective.
New faces in defense
This is especially true in defense where Andi Diouf, Jérémy Jacquet and Lenny Yoro have earned their new caps. These three players received their first blue shirts during these four matches. Their integration testifies to Zidane’s desire to refresh the back line.
In midfield, Lucas Da Cunha has established himself as one of the revelations of this spell. He actively contributed to the three wins and the draw, providing creativity and energy. He notably recorded an assist in the draw, confirming Zidane’s eye for young talent.
Zinédine Zidane gives the Bleus a new boost after the 2026 World Cup
The Bouaddi case, a regret for Deschamps
Another player could have discovered the Bleus if he hadn’t chosen Morocco ahead of the World Cup: Ayoub Bouaddi. Born in Senlis in a Moroccan family, he grew up in Creil before joining the LOSC academy, where he made his professional debut at sixteen years and three days. His fine performances with the Citizens and the Atlas Lions obviously leave observers with regrets. This situation has brought severe criticism to Didier Deschamps.
Pierre Ménès commented on the situation in a video posted on YouTube: “I think that the fact that Deschamps told Bouaddi he would not play in the World Cup, while obviously Morocco was reaching out to him, has obviously weighed heavily.” He added that Bouaddi’s choice of heart could also be a sporting choice and that “it’s a missed opportunity” for the French squad.
During the World Cup, Daniel Riolo revealed that Zinedine Zidane had personally contacted the young midfielder to convince him to wait. “I like you a lot but I can’t promise you anything,” he told him. Despite this call, Bouaddi ultimately chose Morocco, citing the prospect of a World Cup.
These episodes illustrate the contrast between the fresh breath brought by Zidane and the criticism weighing on Deschamps. While the Bleus display three wins and a draw, the debate over missed calls persists as the Bleus continue their campaign under Zidane’s guidance.