Zinedine Zidane has officially launched his tenure as France head coach by naming five uncapped players in his first 23-man squad for upcoming Nations League fixtures. The 54-year-old manager, who signed a four-year contract to replace long-serving boss Didier Deschamps, has signaled an immediate willingness to refresh the squad while maintaining established leadership. Leading the new wave of talent is 21-year-old Liverpool centre-back Jérémy Jacquet, following his strong start at Anfield after joining from Rennes in a deal worth a reported €70 million ($80 million). Joining Jacquet in receiving senior international call-ups for the first time are Toulouse goalkeeper Guillaume Restes, Inter’s Andy Diouf, Como midfielder Lucas Da Cunha, and Rennes forward Esteban Lepaul.

Zidane, whose playing career featured a iconic triumph in the 1998 World Cup on home soil, emphasized continuity in vision combined with fresh tactical energy. “I’ve always followed the French national team. I have a huge attachment to this team,” Zidane stated. “I’m fully aware of the task I’ve been given. I’m here to coach this team. There’s no break with the past. It’s a continuation of my ideas.” The coach highlighted his long-standing familiarity with Jacquet, having tracked the defender back when he played alongside Zidane’s son in youth football. Zidane also outlined a clear positional role for Diouf, selecting him as a defender despite his midfield duties at club level, placing him alongside Pierre Kalulu, Ibrahima Konaté, Jules Koundé, Maxence Lacroix, Dayot Upamecano, and Bournemouth full-back Adrien Truffert, who returns for his second cap.

While introducing fresh blood to the setup, Zidane confirmed that Kylian Mbappé will continue as captain. Mbappé, who leads his country’s all-time scoring charts with 66 international goals, heads an attacking unit featuring Bradley Barcola, Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué, Michael Olise, and Lepaul. However, the new manager took a decisive stance on senior veterans, closing the door on a return for 38-year-old Karim Benzema and moving past 35-year-old 2018 World Cup winner N’Golo Kanté. Addressing Kanté’s omission, Zidane insisted the decision was purely strategic. “To help this team evolve. It’s nothing to do with his quality, he’s an extraordinary player, magnificent,” Zidane explained. “But these are choices. N’Golo is 35 and I have made choices, which are different.”

Fitness complications and squad choices left several prominent names out of the selection. Arsenal defender William Saliba and Al Hilal left-back Théo Hernandez miss the upcoming window through injury, while Real Madrid midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni is being eased back following his recovery. Inter forward Marcus Thuram, Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana, and Paris Saint-Germain duo Lucas Digne and Maghnes Akliouche were also omitted. The midfield group selected features Eduardo Camavinga, Rayan Cherki, Manu Koné, Adrien Rabiot, and Warren Zaïre-Emery alongside Da Cunha, while Robin Risser and Restes provide goalkeeping options alongside Mike Maignan.

Zidane will take charge of his first official match on September 25, when France travel to face Vincenzo Montella’s Turkey in the Nations League, followed by a second away clash against Mark van Bommel’s Belgium on September 28. French supporters will get their first opportunity to see Zidane on the home bench on October 22, when Les Bleus host Roberto Mancini’s revamped Italy team. With a blend of proven international figures and emerging technical talent, the next chapter of French football is officially underway. “What inspires me is the game,” Zidane added. “I want to see these players and this team playing.”