Pablo Pagis emerges as Zidane’s third France rookie

Pablo Pagis has become the third unexpected name linked with Zinedine Zidane’s first France squad, adding another potential debutant to the coach’s expanded selection list. The Paris FC attacking midfielder is being considered after making a strong start to the season.

Pagis, 23, previously played for Lorient and is known for his left foot, passing range and ability to control matches from the No. 10 position. His inclusion would represent a first involvement with the senior national team, although the final squad has not yet been announced.

He joins Esteban Lepaul, the prolific Rennes forward, and Andy Diouf among the players already identified as being monitored by Zidane. Diouf is also 23 and plays in central midfield for Inter Milan. He holds French and Senegalese citizenship and moved to the Italian club from Lens during the 2025-26 season in a transfer valued at €20 million. His current record also includes spells with Basel and Stade Rennais.

Zidane succeeded Didier Deschamps and is due to reveal his first France squad on Friday, September 18. The autumn Nations League schedule includes four matches: away to Turkey on September 25, away to Belgium three days later, against Italy on October 2 and against Belgium again on October 5. The final two fixtures are scheduled for the Stade de France.