France squad: Jean Butez emerges as Zidane's surprise goalkeeper

Zinedine Zidane’s first France squad will be announced on the 18th, marking the formal start of the post-Didier Deschamps era. The broad core of the team that featured at the 2026 World Cup is expected to remain in place, but the new manager is also expected to introduce several fresh faces. The most notable surprise could come in goal, where Jean Butez has emerged as a serious candidate.

The goalkeeper’s name has gained prominence as France’s established hierarchy reaches a turning point. Mike Maignan remains the clear first choice, while Robin Risser, aged 21, is viewed as the long-term prospect for the position. Behind them, however, Brice Samba’s place appears less secure. Samba is 32, and the possibility of a change before the 2028 European Championship has opened the door for Butez.

Butez is 31 and has built his career away from the spotlight of French football. Born in Lille and trained by LOSC, he later played for Mouscron and Royal Antwerp before returning to the wider attention of the European game. Como signed him in January 2025 for €2 million, a modest fee for a goalkeeper who would soon produce one of the strongest statistical seasons among European specialists.

In Lombardy, Butez recorded 19 clean sheets last season. That total matched the figure posted by David Raya, the Arsenal goalkeeper, across European football. The number has become the central argument for his international case, particularly because Butez achieved it after establishing himself in Serie A rather than through a long run with one of France’s best-known clubs.

His influence at Como has also been highlighted beyond the clean-sheet figure. Cesc Fabregas, the club’s coach, described Butez as a champion and praised his daily work, mentality and standing within the squad. Fabregas said Butez had become a leader in the dressing room and was ready to play for France. Those comments add a personality and leadership element to the statistical case surrounding the goalkeeper.

Fabregas also pointed to the contrast between Butez’s profile and the expensive young players recruited by Como. The Frenchman arrived with little of the public recognition attached to more prominent transfers, yet he quickly became an important figure for the team. His progression has therefore made him a candidate not because of a previous international reputation, but because of his performances and role at club level.

Como’s place in the Champions League will give Butez an immediate platform in the next stage of his career. The Italian side is scheduled to face Paris Saint-Germain, RC Lens, Barcelona and Manchester United. The fixtures will bring the goalkeeper into direct view of French supporters and the national-team staff, while also testing him against four high-profile opponents. If he is not included in Zidane’s first list, those European performances could keep his name in the discussion.

Butez is not the only possible newcomer around the France squad. Andy Diouf and Esteban Lepaul have also been identified as players whose strong start to the season could earn them recognition. The goalkeeper position, however, carries a distinct question because Maignan’s place is secure, Risser represents the future and Samba’s status appears more vulnerable.

The announcement on the 18th will therefore show whether Zidane acts immediately on Butez’s rise or leaves the Como goalkeeper outside his opening selection. A first call-up would reward a late-career breakthrough built in Belgium and Italy. An omission would not end the case, since the Champions League schedule will provide Butez with another opportunity to demonstrate why his 19 clean sheets and growing authority have placed him on the France radar.