A week ahead of Zinedine Zidane announcing his first squad as France's head coach, the names of several players who've received preliminary call-ups are beginning to emerge, with several surprises that could shape the new era for Les Bleus.
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Zidane is expected to announce his first squad next Friday, ahead of four Nations League matches against Turkey on September 25, Belgium on the 29th, Italy on October 2, followed by a rematch against Belgium at home on the 5th of the same month.
While Zidane isn't expected to make drastic changes to the approach followed by his predecessor Didier Deschamps, the names appearing on the preliminary list reveal some new directions.
New Names
According to Foot Mercato, Rennes striker Esteban Lepaul has received his first preliminary call-up to the French national team, after topping Ligue 1's scoring charts last season with 21 goals, and continuing his strong form this season with 3 goals in 3 matches.
Although the 26-year-old forward has never played in European competition, he's set to make his Europa League debut with Rennes this season, and his standout Ligue 1 form appears to have caught Zidane's attention.
Lepaul isn't the only surprise name on the preliminary list, as L'Équipe revealed that winger Pablo Pagis has also received his first preliminary call-up to the senior national team.
The 23-year-old, who came through Rennes' academy, scored 10 goals and provided 5 assists for Lorient in Ligue 1 last season, before moving to Paris FC last summer, where he's begun establishing himself as a regular starter.
Reports also indicate that Inter Milan midfielder Andy Diouf has received his first preliminary call-up to the senior French national team, following his impressive start to the season playing on the right wing.
A Player Who Once Represented an African National Team
According to RMC Sport, Lens defender Ismaïla Ganiou (21) has received a preliminary call-up to join Zinedine Zidane's first squad with France, set to be announced on September 18.
Ganiou marshaled Lens's defense yesterday, Thursday, in their 3-2 win over Slavia Prague, in his first-ever Champions League appearance.
France's new coach chose the Bollaert-Delelis Stadium to attend his first official match as head coach on August 16, giving him a close look at the La Gaillette academy graduate during PSG's Trophée des Champions clash, which ended in a 1-0 win for the Parisian side.
Ganiou had previously played one friendly match for Burkina Faso's national team in June 2025, before switching his international allegiance and joining France's setup, featuring in two matches with France's U-21 team last March.
His first call-up to the senior national team may come later, but his current inclusion on the preliminary list puts him among the candidates to feature in Zidane's first-ever squad as France head coach.
Recource: Al-Ghad.
