Zidane's First France Squad Features Five Debutants
Zinedine Zidane has selected five uncapped players for France's upcoming Nations League matches. The newcomers include Rennes striker Esteban Lepaul and Liverpool defender Jeremy Jacquet. France will face Turkey, Belgium, and Italy in the coming weeks.
Zidane's selections reflect a deliberate youth movement. Jacquet, a 21-year-old defender, joined Liverpool for a reported €70 million; Zidane had tracked him since he played with his own son in youth teams. Diouf, an Inter midfielder, will be tried at left back, a position Zidane sees as weak. Lepaul, rejected by Lyon's academy, rose from lower leagues to score 20 goals for Rennes last season.
The coach kept a compact 23-man roster, unlike Germany's 44, to avoid idle players. He also ended the international careers of Kante and Benzema, citing age and the need for fresh faces. Truffert, capped once four years ago, returns to strengthen fullback. France faces Turkey, Belgium, and Italy in upcoming Nations League matches.
This squad signals a generational shift for France, potentially reshaping fan expectations and team chemistry. The inclusion of five debutants may energize supporters seeking renewal, but could also introduce inconsistency in high-stakes Nations League matches. Omitting veterans like Kante and Benzema might disappoint loyal fans, yet it may foster a more unified, forward-looking group. The move could also set a precedent for other national teams navigating post-tournament transitions, influencing how they balance experience with emerging talent.