Zinédine Zidane Announces First France Squad as Les Bleus Head Coach

Taking over the reins of the national setup, Zidane’s first squad reflects a calculated mix of established veterans and emerging talent across Europe’s top leagues. According to announcements detailed in sports media reports, the squad features prominent names alongside fresh tactical options designed to immediately impact France’s campaign in the Nations League.

The Complete 23-Man Squad Selection

Zidane’s first roster balances familiarity with a look toward the future. The selected 23 players span several of Europe’s most competitive clubs:

• Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Robin Risser (RC Lens), and Guillaume Restes (Toulouse).
• Defenders: Ibrahima Konaté (Real Madrid), Jules Koundé (FC Barcelone), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich), Pierre Kalulu (AC Milan), Maxence Lacroix (Chelsea), Andy Diouf (Inter Milan), Jérémy Jacquet (Liverpool), and Adrien Truffert (Bournemouth).
• Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid), Rayan Cherki (Manchester City), Lucas Da Cunha (Côme), Manu Koné (AS Rome), Adrien Rabiot (AC Milan), and Warren Zaïre-Emery (PSG).
• Attaquants: Bradley Barcola (Liverpool), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich), Esteban Lepaul (Stade Rennais), Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid), Ousmane Dembélé (PSG), and Désiré Doué (PSG).

Addressing the selection of young Toulouse goalkeeper Guillaume Restes, Zidane described the choice as measured and intentional. Why not Guillaume Restes? It’s a thoughtful, assumed choice, there are three goalkeepers, we’re going to do with these three, he noted during his press conference.

Tactical Choices and Squad Management

The new manager addressed several notable omissions, specifically concerning players like Malo Gusto and Maghnes Akliouche. Zidane clarified that their absence from this month’s roster does not signal a permanent demotion within the national hierarchy. I had to make choices, I didn’t want to see players in the stands, Zidane explained. Why them? This time it was like that, they were part of the selectable players, they might be for the next gathering. They haven’t moved back down the hierarchy.

On the pitch, Zidane indicated specific tactical ideas for his attacking unit, particularly regarding captain Kylian Mbappé. Dismissing ongoing debates about defensive tracking as a fake subject, a fake debate, the manager outlined his vision for utilizing his star forward. I don’t know if center-forward is his best position, he can play in all three positions and I really like him on the left, Zidane stated.

The manager also highlighted the creative attributes of Manchester City midfielder Rayan Cherki. Describing Cherki’s profile, Zidane emphasized the player’s capacity to operate effectively between defensive lines, noting, He’s a player who is capable of playing between the lines, of turning around, of being creative, he’s a player I like, we’re going to have 15 days to work together.

In addition to his coaching staff selections, Zidane confirmed the appointment of former international teammate Fabien Barthez to work with the national team goalkeepers. Expressing confidence in the arrangement, Zidane stated, We have the same vision of what a goalkeeper should be, he has his extraordinary experience, he’s been through it, I trust him to help my goalkeepers progress. We speak the same football both of us.

Next Steps for Les Bleus

With his coaching staff assembled and the roster finalized, Zidane and his squad will now report to Clairefontaine to begin preparations for the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures. The matches represent the formal start of a new competitive era for the national team under the guidance of one of France’s most celebrated football figures.